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ISLAMABAD: Iran is desirous of participating in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is one of the greatest projects in the history of the region, Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Honardoust said on Friday.
During a visit to the capital office of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), the Iranian envoy said his country has the capability to help the development of Pakistan’s economy through energy supply and construction of roads, railways dams and others area.
“At the same time, Pakistani textiles, rice, surgical goods, sports goods and agricultural products are in great demand in Iran,” he added.
However, Mr Honardoust acknowledged that trade and commerce between the two countries has been restricted due to lack of banking channels.
“Bilateral trade will get a boost after resolution of problems regarding banking which would disappear soon,” he added.
During his first visit to the FPCCI’s Islamabad office, the Iranian ambassador was welcomed by President FPCCI Abdul Rauf Alam, VP FPCCI Zafar Bakhtwari, former presidents ICCI Khalid Jaweed, Ijaz Abbasi, Chairman Coordination FPCCI Malik Sohail and others.
Mr Honardoust said that Iranian gas is the cheapest, fastest and most dependable source of energy for Pakistan.
“This project should be initiated at a fast track and soon Iran would complete its part of the pipeline at the cost of $2 billion,” he said.
Mr Honardoust dispelled the impression that international sanctions would restrict the IP gas pipeline project and said that many countries including China, India, Turkey, Japan and South Korea continued to buy energy from Iran during and after sanctions.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr Alam said Pakistan and Iran has already decided to increase annual trade volumes between the two countries to $5bn by 2021 for which efforts are needed.
Gwadar and Chabahar Ports are not rivals but they would supplement each other making the region centre of maritime trade, he said.
“Besides Pakistan can increase electricity imports from Iran but for which Tehran must reduce the price to make it competitive and attractive,” he added.
Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2016
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Comments (145) Closed
Sep 10, 2016 09:47am
Pakistan is also keen to include Iran in CPEC project which is no doubt a great project in the history of south Asia. Let's work together to make our region a developed and prosperous region.
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Sep 10, 2016 09:57am
It's excellent news. CPEC is opportunity of the century and more and more of our neighbors must be encourages to participate in it whole heartedly. This will solidly guarantee Pakistan's long term regional integration improved relationships.
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Sep 10, 2016 10:02am
Give me a break, the sponsor of Chabahar wants a role in CPEC... what to sabotage it.
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Sep 10, 2016 10:33am
It would be brilliant if Iran could also be a part of CPEC. I think that would be beneficial for both counties. But I think Chabahar is definitely in competition to Gawadar. For Iran to be part of CPEC it would need to use Gawadar and forego Chabahar project. Pakistan and Iran should seek t develop banking channels and trade policies to allow trade between the two countries.
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Sep 10, 2016 10:37am
It is better that Iran & KSA descale their bilateral tension through dialogue and then play an active and safe role in the regional development...
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Sep 10, 2016 10:36am
It is a very good idea. Iran should get into CPEC. It will help everyone.
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Sep 10, 2016 10:41am
how will pakistan make money from CPEC, it will only boost exports and cut price of exports for China?
Do pakistani leadership have any idea how we will make money out of it, just saying it is a great project will not make it a great project, no doubt it is a great project but for china
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Sep 10, 2016 10:45am
The Iranians know that they have a lot to gain and nothing to loose from CPEC. Iran is making a very wise move by grabbing this great opportunity.
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Sep 10, 2016 10:50am
Let Pakistan have a role in the Indian funded Charbahar project then we will consider a role for Iran in CPEC. Nothing will come in the way of completing the China Pakistan economic corridor.
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Sep 10, 2016 10:52am
Undoubtedly CPEC is a game changer. That's why every country wants to have a role in China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
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Sep 10, 2016 10:56am
@Javed get detail about gwarder and chabbar port. Gwader is bigger for muti purpose including military and . Chabbar is much smaller for only commercial and indian ship will not allowed to use pakistani sea bounry that will create longer route mean expansive business cost. I am not worry about chabber port india know that.
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Sep 10, 2016 10:57am
India supports to include Iran in contracts at the expense of Chinese. It's a win win deal for any country getting 18% assured returns irrespective of success.
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Sep 10, 2016 11:01am
@Fast very true and Iran should be involved from this stage. Iran, Pakistan and India as well should be included in this project to lock common goals for the region.
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Sep 10, 2016 11:08am
Pakistan is & will be for sure an upcoming "Asian Tiger" & whatever people say Nawaz Sharif has a very significant role in it.
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Sep 10, 2016 11:09am
All eggs in one basket! Game changer.
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Sep 10, 2016 11:09am
I wish Pakistan,India,Iran,Afghanistan and other central Asian countries promote development and trade with each other.Let's save this region from western intervention and find the common ground for ourselves to be worked on for the betterment of the whole region.No one is benefiting from all these rivalries but the thousand miles aways enemies.
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Sep 10, 2016 11:14am
@truthspeaks,
Just like Dubai makes money from trans-shipment.
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Sep 10, 2016 11:21am
Its good news we can also reach Turkey and other countries through Iran.
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Sep 10, 2016 11:25am
Keep them out
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Sep 10, 2016 11:28am
@Imran :- Not a bad idea, Please ask Pakistani govt to proceed on the same, similarly give transit route to India also
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Sep 10, 2016 11:29am
So whats next? India, USA.........
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Sep 10, 2016 11:30am
More than an economic significance CPEC has strategic advantages. By investing and having dependence on Pakistan, China will ensure that it is safeguarded from the evil eye and we all know both India and some other countries are already feeling uneasy.
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Sep 10, 2016 11:36am
@truthspeaks
I have been watching the shadow boxing going on between two protagonists. China can not forgo India and Pakistan has nothing to offer than berth for ships in Gawader. China servival depends on Indian downturn which is an illusion. So what is the final outcome-well China would be reluctant supporter of India. Pakistan has still some time to correct its trajectory or else will be left with no choice
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Sep 10, 2016 11:48am
Good development and very encouraging that Iran is also interested in CPEC. We should also try to rope in Afghanistan into this project and take both of these countries away from indian influence. Iran can link its Chahbahar port with Gwadar via road and rail link and can also benefit from the CPEC in the longer run.
This is very good decision by the Iranians as giving Chahbahar to indians has a very limited scope as the trade volume between Afghanistan and india is negligible and would have hardly any positive impact on Iranian economy.
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Sep 10, 2016 11:48am
I second this big time I believe Iran input will be beneficial for both countries. We need to improve our relation with our neighbours that's is important too for Pakistan security and prosperity. I think it's time we should make this change and not get pressured by far away neighbour not to disregard them at all they still our brothers and we respect them but we have to think of our country's prosperity I think our wise leaders know well what is good for Pakistan but poor they get bullied by outside forces. We public has to play a role in it and promote where possibly can and bring these neighbours together.
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Sep 10, 2016 11:52am
Good development and very encouraging that Iran is also interested in CPEC. We should also try to rope in Afghanistan into this project and take both of these countries away from indian influence. Iran can link its Chahbahar port with Gwadar via road and rail link and can also benefit from the CPEC in the longer run.
This is very good decision by the Iranians as giving Chahbahar to indians has a very limited scope as the trade volume between Afghanistan and india is negligible and would have hardly any positive impact on Iranian economy.
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Sep 10, 2016 12:03pm
Pakistan as a nation need to stand on its own feet rather than always taking support from big powers. With US relations going downwards pakistan has aligned itself with china. Pakistan has always lived as parasite. Hope this nation realises self esteem n stop being an ally of big powers always.
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Sep 10, 2016 12:06pm
It's immaterial, really. Textbook diplomacy. Nothing much.
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Sep 10, 2016 12:05pm
CPEC is geostrategic game changer which will create 700000 jobs.it will pass from kashgar to Gwadar which will consists of three routes central,westren and eastren route.China wanted to escape from strait of meleeca strategy because CPEC is a shortest route where as in SCS there is a conflict on going so it is pakistan that gave breathe to china via CPEC providing them shortest route and access to warm waters.so today iran asked tommarrow afghanistan will ask. This is the time pakistan can invite muslim countries for investments,joint ventures by boosting FDI.once muslim countries are invited other countries will follow suit..so GOOD GOING PAKISTAN.
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Sep 10, 2016 12:07pm
Fantastic news but confusing .
Iran already has a direct train service to the eastern seaboard of China, container traffic uses it, it crosses the Central Asian states, who also send and receive goods via it.
When they refer to CPEC are they referring to supplying the energy element ?
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Sep 10, 2016 12:21pm
Why only Iran. India and Afghanistan also want to co-operate in CPEC.
This may maken CPIIAEC.
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Sep 10, 2016 12:24pm
Iranians are smart. After getting involve with this project and gas pipe line, India will benefit more then Pakistan.
But hey, Nawaz Sharif says" WHO CARES, AS LONG AS I MAKE MONEY"
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Sep 10, 2016 12:25pm
@xyz-Indian ; If Indian is ready to settle the dispute of occupied Kashmir with Pakistan then she is welcome to use GT road to reach central Asia and Europe.
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Sep 10, 2016 12:30pm
@LOVE PAKISTAN
>So whats next? India, USA.........
China has already offered a share in CPEC to India.
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Sep 10, 2016 12:32pm
@Imran Well said
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Sep 10, 2016 12:35pm
Iran has NO role in CPEC as this project is Pakistan's internal issue. Pakistan needs to ensure Iran and Middle Eastern countries are never involved in this project.
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Sep 10, 2016 12:41pm
Yes, CPEC should include India, Afghanistan and Iran. CPEC should be renamed to CAPIIEC.
CAPIIEC means China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Iran Economic corridor. India-Iran Chabahar which connects India-Iran-Afghanistan shouldn't become a rival with Pakistan-China Gwadar both, Chabahar and Gwadar should be included in the project of CPEC and now the project should be renamed to CAPIIEC.
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Sep 10, 2016 12:41pm
The inclusion of other regional countries will make CPEC more successful and will be of great benefits for the regional and other countries.
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Sep 10, 2016 12:43pm
@truthspeaks Its already making money for Pakistanis. These baloch lands which no one would buy for 50k per acre is being sold for 50 lac per acre.
More people are visiting Gwadar, construction has started in some parts. more restaurants, less smuggling (which was their only way of making cash), more passengers for the transport guys . dams being built , roads being built , when we start importing to Gwadar it will be less costly to go to Quetta thru Gwadar. Ofcourse to export something we need something of value here , which should come in time..
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Sep 10, 2016 12:46pm
Most welcome. We have to be best of neighbours and friends.
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Sep 10, 2016 12:45pm
Pakistan has to include Iran-Afghanistan-India-America who have interests in the region in CPEC project for a smooth completion of the project.
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Sep 10, 2016 12:47pm
@truthspeaks yes if you actually think about it there will be transit fees and infrastructure benefits amongst many others.
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Sep 10, 2016 12:48pm
@Javed Probably! We should be careful dealing with Iran.
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Sep 10, 2016 01:01pm
We the Indians support this idea as Iran is our ally. By being a part of it, they can perhaps turn it the other way. An excellent example of PM Modi's diplomacy is here ladies & gentlemen.
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Sep 10, 2016 01:05pm
Iran is too close to India in its economic and commercial ventures ..... Will need to see its joining the CPEC ..... should be tied down with competitively priced gas and electricity supply and infrastructure development agreements from Iran to Pakistan !!!!
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Sep 10, 2016 01:16pm
It,s necessary to include Iran in the miracle project of CPEK.Each country has its own capabilities and both the countries will have to support each other economicly and strategicly otherwise the common enemies or Iran and Pakistan will seperate Iran and Pakistan from each other.
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Sep 10, 2016 01:19pm
@Imran If Iran let's that happen Indians would want China out of CPEC and will ask for an IPEC.
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Sep 10, 2016 01:23pm
@Javed , I agree with you, Iran has to first build it's trust again,
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Sep 10, 2016 01:24pm
@Auginpk no india.we can do things on our own
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Sep 10, 2016 01:28pm
Pakistan should be extremely careful and cautious every effort should be made to make sure that there is no enemy trick in these things, because India is openly attacking
CPEC at every level including terrorism and on the other hand is very friendly with Iran, the Indian master spy came in Pakistan from Iran. Please keep your eyes open
Pakistan..
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Sep 10, 2016 01:36pm
Lets not have a knee jerk reaction either way. If Iran is interested then take their offer at face value and study it and discuss with them. If it benefits both countries in short and long term then go for it. This is called diplomacy and good economic policy and governance. PMLN is not the master in any of the three areas so expect this offer to wither on the vine.
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Sep 10, 2016 01:37pm
Pakistan should immediately jump on this and agree. Improve your trade with neighbors. This move will also curtail the inherent fear we have of India going via Iran.
Secondly we should have free trade with all our neighbors. We fear that India will influx our market, our industry will suffer. Imagine this simple equation: 1 bio+ customers in India compared to 0.25 b for India in Pakistan.
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Sep 10, 2016 01:52pm
That's a news.
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Sep 10, 2016 01:51pm
We always knew this would benefit both iran and Afghanistan in the long term. So its good to get both on board as they will help share the risk and bills too. The more the merrier!
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Sep 10, 2016 02:04pm
PM Nawaz should act fast and utilize their N.Gas and generation capacity FAST FAST.
These Two factors can boost the economy tremendously.
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Sep 10, 2016 02:56pm
seems less like Iran's personal idea and more like Indian. Iran's major exports goes to India and vice versa let's see what China has to say about that.
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Sep 10, 2016 03:02pm
@majid Pakistan never allow India. They even not allowed India to access Afganisthan via road.
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Sep 10, 2016 03:06pm
Iran itself with the huge investment of India, is developing its harbours only to tackle CPEC and now this drama offer.
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Sep 10, 2016 03:09pm
@Fast Great project in the history of South Asia ??
No project in South Asia can become great unless it involves the nation with one sixth of humanity. In fact there isn't any South Asia without India.
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Sep 10, 2016 03:11pm
This is the time Pakistan should stand himself and don't include neighbour countries. Let our people work, not only in CPEC many more project to build as an industrial country. Iran, Afganistan must change their current polices in all international platform and support Pakistan not to blame Pakistan for terror. Is there any country in the world is stoping terror? No but only Pakistan. If our neighbour want CPEC part then why not Chabahar connect with China?? Now they are talking Gwadar and CPEC.
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Sep 10, 2016 03:12pm
There are internal and external challenges to CPEC's realization. One of the ways to address these challenges is external participation of different countries in CPEC including the US which is closely collaborating with India and others to contain China's rise.
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Sep 10, 2016 03:22pm
Hell no, hasn't Pakistan learned their lesson yet? I think we've forgot about kulbashan?
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Sep 10, 2016 03:36pm
Very smart move by Iran.
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Sep 10, 2016 03:37pm
@ZEALOT
Dear
I very much doubt it.
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Sep 10, 2016 03:41pm
India and Iran have Charbahar they do not require CPEC
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Sep 10, 2016 03:45pm
@Javed What's wrong with that? They have every right to do trade as well - don't they?
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Sep 10, 2016 03:47pm
Ladies and Gentlemen China is coming all these thing are a open proof, It is great luck that China is Pakistan's very good and trust worthy friend, the countries which will join this club will benefit ... Pakistan should use CPEC very smartly, All this will make Pakistan a very powerful country and with great influence in this area, this is what is worrying America, and it is pushing India into opposing CPEC, from inside India wants to join it, because it will greatly benefit India, India should abandon is and come and join this CPEC Club this way Asia will become a peaceful area for every and outside powers will be locked out That is the game changer part...Think India Think...Long live Pakistan China friendship.Ameen
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Sep 10, 2016 03:49pm
@truthspeaks CPEC entails an end to the power shortages that have held back Pakistan's economic growth, economists have estimated that power shortages have knocked of 2% off economic growth for years. 75% of the funding is for power projects.
Power aside, vast industrial estates are planned along the length of the corridor, providing areas for finishing and processing of goods. In some industries such facilities are needed close to port such as oil refineries where a vast Chinese one is planned at Gwadar to service imported oil to be sent to china. In time Chinese manufacturers will open facilities along the corridor to finish goods for export, as it will be closer and cheaper than doing it in china.
The future is bright.
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Sep 10, 2016 04:07pm
Chahbahar belongs to Iran only. They decide whats best for Iran, not Afghanistan not India. This possible CPEC deal is between Pakistan and Iran only! Iran doesn't need India permission.
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Sep 10, 2016 04:11pm
@truthspeaks we'll earn money through transit fees.
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Sep 10, 2016 04:11pm
Mr Iranian Ambassador
We have have no problem with anything about IRAN and the CPEC and all that.
The only problem is INDIA. You know better then to mess with Pakistan by worsening the situation in Balochistan with the help of India. We dont care if you are intrested in CPEC or not.
And by the way you are right about one thing, chabbar and CPEC are not rivals because there is no comparision between the minor and the MIGHTY.
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Sep 10, 2016 04:14pm
Let Iran be part of it. Engage Iran economically with Pakistan or they will look towards India. Iran is a natural partner of Pakistan. Let us not turn them away.
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Sep 10, 2016 04:16pm
@Javed, Iran can have their own projects as well and Pakistan should participate in those. Iran cannot totally depend on Pakistan or vice versa.
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Sep 10, 2016 04:20pm
@The Pathan, Very noble thought but India wants to play a spoiler. However Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan should be partners until India changes its mindset.
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Sep 10, 2016 04:32pm
It will be a great achievement if Iran is included but its suspicious role in Baluchistan is a cause of concern. Increasing indian influence in Iran at the cost of Pakistan cannot be viewed as a positive development. We have yet to see any concrete action against Kulbushan network. They could have gone all out to show their seriousness on the issue. They have yet to show their sincerity towards Pakistan. At present they are in indian camp and cannot be trusted
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Sep 10, 2016 04:34pm
@M. Siddique .. Should be.. but unfortunately is not.. so better Pakistan change its mindset
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Sep 10, 2016 04:35pm
there is no need. basically they are not our friends.
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Sep 10, 2016 04:44pm
@SAEED MASOOD , Only if terrorism is addressed, possibilities are endless. Indian software cos setting up shops there, indians form large percentage of tourists around the world, pakistan can become affordable and prefered destination, PSL merging with IPL etc
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Sep 10, 2016 04:49pm
@Auginpk i never can expect it from any pakistani
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Sep 10, 2016 04:51pm
As an Indian, I think it's a great idea. Trade is always good for everyone :)
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Sep 10, 2016 04:57pm
I have no doubt that Iran is sincere. The real problem is our greedy dishonest elected politicians who cannot be trusted to provide facilities to the very people who elected them.
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Sep 10, 2016 05:00pm
@Fast how do you know?
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Sep 10, 2016 05:03pm
India cannot and should not even be considered for such collaborative bilateral project between China and Pakistan. Until and unless issue of Kashmir is not fully resolved, it does not make any sense to engage India in any business enterprise. Remember what Modi had said recently? National security trumps any business.
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Sep 10, 2016 05:05pm
Very good signs. Taking Iran into the project can open trade routes to Europe via Turkey.
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Sep 10, 2016 05:07pm
No doubt CPEC is an excellent project and inclusion of Iran will be great. But remember, Pakistani leadership current and past has always lacked vision and the biggest worry is that their incompetency will also make this vital project controversial.
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Sep 10, 2016 05:17pm
@Shahid i fully endorse your view.it must be the voice of every pakistani once and for all.
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Sep 10, 2016 05:33pm
@truthspeaks transit fees alone will be lucrative; you obviously need to do some research. Live up to this username you've chosen for yourself
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Sep 10, 2016 05:42pm
Pakistan you have an ooportunity knocking at your door. Accept it.
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Sep 10, 2016 06:01pm
@Indian ......For using Pak territory of CPEC and Gwadar a permit from Pak is required which is next to impossible keeping in view the negative role of India, and China will never compromise the advantage it is getting due to CPEC.
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Sep 10, 2016 06:05pm
Thanks but we are better without any Iran's help.
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Sep 10, 2016 06:07pm
It is the people of Pakistan who will decide who all will use the CPEC, with the role played by Indians against Pakistan and CPEC does not make them a candidate for the same. Main users are Pak, China, Russia, Central Asian states and Afghanistan. India has always been against it therefore the writing on the wall is crystal clear, please read it.
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Sep 10, 2016 06:10pm
@Umesh that's your opinion which has absolutely no truth. Do you think China is a school going kid offering assistance of billions of dollars for the development of Gwadar and CPEC. Is China just looking for berth spaces at Gwadar port? China has extremely massive plans and because luckily and alhamdulillah Pakistan has a very strategic location and also one of the friendly countries is utilising its resources to secure its future. This would be to a large extent in China's favour but with this corridor we can also make billions with CPEC being a transit point and business to whole region worth billions of dollars. You can see even Iran is interested and soon Afghanistan will be coming in as well as both are our brother countries. We would InshaAllah see rest of our muslim and other countries desiring to join when it is nearing completion.
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Sep 10, 2016 06:25pm
@Optimistic Pakistani, right on the dot. I fully agree.
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Sep 10, 2016 06:25pm
There should be a connecting road between Chabahar n Gwader. If for any reason, one port is not able to export or import the container other port can do it.
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Sep 10, 2016 06:41pm
Iran must join. This will bond help Iran and Pakistan in their national interest.
Plus we can support each other in political setup in the world.
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Sep 10, 2016 06:51pm
Iran is India's right hand and Afghanistan is its right hand. Giving a slice of CPEC to Iran means giving a slice to India. We must understand this.
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Sep 10, 2016 07:00pm
The best is if Pakistan give access to India to use the land route to Afghanistan and it will result in real prosperous Pakistan.
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Sep 10, 2016 07:07pm
CPEC is Pakistan-China project. It went a long way to practically implement on this project.
Due to security reasons, this very project is blocked between two governments and two nations.
We can't accommodate any more partners into this project. However, GoP may consider some other viable project with the Iranian government.
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Sep 10, 2016 07:10pm
@Black Dielsel - We also need response of Iran to Indian commentories that Chabbhar changed the historical ‘Great Game’ for control of the connection between South and Central Asia through Afghanistan. The agreement among India, Iran and Afghanistan was claimed to end India’s ‘isolation’ from Central Asia and Pakistan’s ‘stranglehold’ over Afghanistan and create a ‘new security paradigm’ and a ‘geopolitical shift’.
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Sep 10, 2016 07:18pm
@Skeptic dont worry.if some red lines would set then Iranians will work in specific code of conduct.any violation of it would be susequent expulsion from pakistan.CPEC will create 700000 jobs for pakistan in 15 years.and this is not a joke.if you are still skeptic that iranians are indians right or left hand then Prove it....
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Sep 10, 2016 07:18pm
@Ghulamali - Chabbahar agreement is no more than to convey a politico - psychological message to Pakistan. Iran got involved in it to get petty FDI from India and now eager to join CPEC.
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Sep 10, 2016 07:23pm
@The Pathan - while you are talking sense, you are ignoring the two things: (1) The hegemonic attitude of India in the region and (2) India's agreeing with USA to act as her agent in the region.
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Sep 10, 2016 07:24pm
No Iran or Afghanistan unless they address our concerns.
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Sep 10, 2016 07:26pm
Without the support of India I think Pakistan cannot complete CPEC.
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Sep 10, 2016 07:25pm
@Javed they should seize Chhabahar operations first
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Sep 10, 2016 07:29pm
Until there is a good deal between India and Pakistan CPEC will remain unsuccessful.
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Sep 10, 2016 07:34pm
Everyone seeing $ signs. Where were you before the CPEC ?
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Sep 10, 2016 07:45pm
@Javed , keep everyone engaged so it less risky. Iran will have lot gain being part of the project. They can move their goods to big market like China. They can sell N.Gas from their enormous reservations.
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Sep 10, 2016 07:45pm
Iranians are our brothers and we share a great history and cordial relationship with them. Nevertheless, in the recent past, the governments in Iran have proven that they are not the friends of Pakistan by their siding with Indians and creating problems in Balochistan. Pakistan and Iran do not see eye to eye in many regional and international issues.
Iran does not support Pakistan on Kashmir. Why would they when they are developing Chabhar port with the help of Indians?
Pakistan should be diplomatic but should be clear in identifying its friends and enemies. India and Afghanistan are our enemies so we should treat them like that. China and Turkey are our friends so we should treat them like that. Iran is our neighbor and not a friend so we can keep on calling them as 'brotherly country', if that means anything.
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Sep 10, 2016 08:42pm
Pakistan welcomes Iran in CPEC, and PM Nawaz Sharif should give formal invitation to the Iranian President. This is far too important to be left to some foreign office official or ambassadors.
Other countries in the region should also be formally invited. CPEC will not only benefit Pakistan economically, but the whole region. This is what China and Pakistan desire, for peace, progress and prosperity.
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Sep 10, 2016 08:44pm
Until IOK is resolved, no access to India via Iran on CPEC.
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Sep 10, 2016 08:49pm
@Javed True, Iran must get the Indians out altogether fro Chabahar and than think about the CPEC
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Sep 10, 2016 09:10pm
@Muhammad ...Very good comment my dear friend,i agree 100%.
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Sep 10, 2016 09:11pm
@gooddeal ...Are you an expert of some sort on these matters ?.
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Sep 10, 2016 09:51pm
@Ghulamali your facts are wrong and data is very high level . Gwadar is not an operational port and Chabahar already has 1 berth operational and another ready . As far as the access via sea is concerned Afghanistan can be linked directly with Iran via Chabahar and can make the route independent of Pakistan to reach Central Asia . The bigger problem is Afghanistan can block Pakistan from land access making the CPEC only a Pakistan China project instead of a Central Asia ,China , Middle East link .India had created a space in Afghanistan and Iran to make Central Asia link via sea and land to India instead of China. You must study the geopolitics in more detail to fully grasp that if Chabahar becomes successful even China may use that at the expense of CPEC . However if Chabahar fails CPEC will grow to its true claim .India will try to kill CPEC or make it unsafe enough for the alternate option to not be sabotaged.
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Sep 10, 2016 09:57pm
Lets face it.
Another $20 billion to integrate Iran with CPEC and Iran would jump at the prospect and India completely sidelined.
Economics at work.
Chahbahar and Gwadar can both work in tandem. There is just too much demand for 1 port to fulfil.
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Sep 10, 2016 10:41pm
Iran should connect its Chabahar port with CPEC through a lateral.
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Sep 11, 2016 07:12am
Pakistan should keep its CPEC programme clear from all interference and international participation. Only Pakistan & China are owners of this great friendly gesture from a great friend China to Pakistan. If Iran wishes economic development then a similar pact should be prepared & signed between Iran & Pakistan clear of the scope of CPEC.
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Sep 11, 2016 07:12am
@Javed: I agree with your point.
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Sep 11, 2016 07:16am
@Sachin: The simple equation is whatever looks good to India cannot be of benefit to Pakistan. No to Iran's participation in CPEC. If Iran wishes to play a role then it should sign IPEC with Pakistan. CPEC is only between two great friends China & Pakistan.
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Sep 11, 2016 11:34am
The world id heading towards multi-polarity and regional trade organizations. Pakistan should continue its vision to build up a strong ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization) rather than the faltering SAARC. The ECO is 100% in line with PAkistan's strategy. Good cooperation with Iran (& Saudi ;-) for my Sunni brothers) is IMPERATIVE for Pakistan. ENow, with CHina's backing ... Pakistan's many years of effort in helping to stabilize the country has reached fruition! Long live PAkistan!
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Sep 11, 2016 05:13pm
Will China and Chinese banks agree to share the returns of the Chinese investment with Pakistan and Iran? If the sharing is fair and just, then I wholeheartedly support the inclusion of Iran in this project.
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Sep 11, 2016 05:37pm
Pakistan has already invited Iran to join CPEC. Iran is simply responding positively to that offer. In the emerging economic alliances in South Asia, it is to Pakistan's advantage to shape a tri-lateral Pakistan-China-Iran economic bloc to strike a balance vis a vis the Iran-India-Afghanistan triangle. Regional economic convergence trend is being seen as a positive development which can resolve political differences opening new vistas of enhanced economic cooperation and trade among countries in the region. Sound economic relation can lead to political understanding and cooperation to fight terrorism and extremism.Pakistan should consider moving in that direction.
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Sep 11, 2016 06:51pm
Hahahahahaha back to being friends again? Seems Chabahar doesn't have any future promise - too much investment, too little gain.
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Sep 11, 2016 06:54pm
Gwadar is DOA - just read a brilliant expose in: By Farrukh Saleem - https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/149434-Gwadar
If anything, Chabahar might save CPEC, while Gwadar will let is die.
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Sep 11, 2016 07:24pm
This is a good idea if Iran may be included in CPEC project to boost economy of Pakistan.
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Sep 11, 2016 08:32pm
Excellent.Lets get together and work for a better future.
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Sep 12, 2016 01:01am
@truthspeaks : You need roads and infrastructure to connect all provinces to our sea ports then you will ease up transit between Pakistan, China and rest of the world. Pakistan will benefit in many ways from transit trade. Warehouses and hotels and oil supply pumps, etc etc will all create jobs in areas that have not seen any development. This is just the impact on bottom line. In big picture, your businesses in northern areas will be able to get their products to ports quickly as they are highly price and in demand organic items. There is Loads to add, but please do some research. The army would not commit to a project unless it's feasibility proves long term gains. This will be a game changer for Pakistan.
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Sep 12, 2016 01:51am
Iran would be a natural partner to this project.
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Sep 12, 2016 02:29am
CPEC is a bilateral project between China and Pakistan, and it will become cumbersome if it is turned into a trilateral project. Iran should try for a similar China -Iran project, if it desires closer cooperation with China.
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Sep 12, 2016 05:18am
@The Pathan We in the western counties have everything to gain in the economic development of countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia countries. More wealth and stability equal less terrorism, which is also beneficial to us. Win win situation
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Sep 12, 2016 05:45am
Unless Afghanistan and Iran do not allow India to meddle in then they are welcomed.
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Sep 12, 2016 07:40am
Hahaha! Why ? What about chahbar? wait and see Next will be india asking to include them in CPEC.
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Sep 12, 2016 10:36am
Will AJK allow it their opinion must also be considered
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Sep 12, 2016 11:14am
Is there any Iranian newspaper in english or farsi where I can see some free discussion by the Iranians on Pakistan and examine their comments and attitudes on Pakistan? presstv.ir is not very suitable as its mainly on iranian relations to the middle-east and comments are not as free and longer as here.
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Sep 12, 2016 03:47pm
Where was Iran before CPEC project? Iran was not assisting Pakistan in its time of need, unlike the Chinese who stepped up for Pakistan. Pakistan might enter into a bilateral arrangement with Iran not linked to CPEC under terms favorable to Pakistan.
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Sep 12, 2016 09:31pm
Pakistan and Iran should cooperate on things such as nanotechnology. Pakistan can make nanoscope, which Iranians copied from Sangil Park's Stanford thesis. He was the first to make the Scanning Tunneling Electron microscope. Generally, here in the USA, the Iranians are not very allowing the Pakistanis into their inner circle. Reciprocally, Pakistan and Iran should find bilateral Pakistan-Iran projects rather than trilateral which can become the victim of individual egos. All risks of spoiling CPEC must be avoided, since after 911, Iran has been going up and Pakistan going down.
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Sep 12, 2016 09:42pm
@Objective View : CPEC is a project between Pakistan & China, it must be completed without interference.
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Sep 12, 2016 09:55pm
@The Pathan : Very true.
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Sep 12, 2016 09:57pm
@Pathan: Very true.
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Sep 12, 2016 10:14pm
@include : Conspiracy, nothing new.
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Sep 12, 2016 10:29pm
@open truth indian : That's good, stay out of CPEC.
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Sep 12, 2016 10:32pm
@ART Kp : Time may prove that.
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Sep 12, 2016 10:35pm
@Black Dielsel : Well said.
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Sep 12, 2016 11:18pm
@Vijay You think Israel could be Israel without America
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