BEING termed a ‘game changer’ not only for Pakistan but the entire region CPEC is in the process of speedy implementation, despite all the hue and cry being raised by vested interests. The $45billion Chinese investment coming into this gargantuan China-Pakistan venture has no parallel in China-Pakistan history of mutual cooperation. A huge investment of this magnitude has, in fact, never ever been made before in Pakistan by any affluent country of the world. In view of this fact CPEC will indeed be a dream come true, if successfully executed.

In spite of knowing the importance of this gigantic project and the mammoth contribution it, once completed, would make towards the economic growth of not only Pakistan but also that of the other countries of the region detractors of the project, from within and outside the country, are doing whatever they can to sabotage it. One only wishes had India, for once, looked beyond its self- interest and focused on the larger interest of the region it would have brought the much desired economic stability not only to the countries of the region and Pakistan but also to India.

Yet another factor that threatens the CPEC is terrorism. Security of the Chinese engaged in executing the project in different parts of the country is also a cause for major concern.

We must welcome the strong statement emanating from the Chief of the Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif, during his visit to the headquarters of the newly raised Special Security Division (SSD) for the security of the CPEC that ‘the country’s security forces were fully aware of all campaigns against the corridor and were prepared to pay any price to turn the long-cherished dream of the CPEC into reality’.

The army chief also reiterated the army’s commitment to provide security for the project and the workforce involved. The same level of conviction is also desired of the public representatives. So far this is not seen.

M. Fazal Elahi

Karachi

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THE China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a blessing for the region.

Once the work is in progress, the country will witness development in mines, tourism, agriculture, industry, fruit export, and new roads and bridges which will boost the economy.

What needs to be done is to ensure is that our education system is in sync with the ongoing development. There is a strong need for collaboration and coordination among the top universities on this issue.

Those at the helm of education affairs should modernise the syllabi. Certain subjects such as forestry, gems and jewellery, hoteling, tourism, communications and other topical subjects need to be made an integral part of the curriculum. Skilled workers will be needed to assist in the building of roads, bridges, structures etc.

M. Saleem Ansari

Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 6th, 2016