PESHAWAR: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project was a game changer for the entire region as it would bring peace, prosperity and political stability to the country, said University of Peshawar Vice-chancellor Prof Mohammad Abid.

Addressing a one-day conference organised by China Studies Cell at UoP here on Wednesday, he said that the project would not only generate thousands of jobs for educated and skilled youth but it would also help in generating thousands of megawatts power.

He said CPEC would help in establishing strong academic linkages between the universities of Pakistan and China, according to a statement.

The conference was also addressed by Prof Zahid Anwar, the coordinator of China Studies Cell; Dr Minhas Majeed Khan; Dr Khalid Khan, additional secretary of higher education department; Prof Noor Mohammad, the vice-chancellor of University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar; Prof Naushad Khan, pro vice-chancellor of Islamia College University; Prof Taj Muharram Khan, dean of social sciences; and Dr Mohammad Muhsin, the director of Institute of Management Sciences Peshawar.

The speakers said that China wanted close relations with Pakistan and by 2025 nearly three-fourth of China’s petroleum imports would traverse the Indian Ocean and the piracy-plagued Straits of Malacca.

They said that China was helping Pakistan in turning Gwadar into a transit terminal for African, South American and Middle Eastern oil imports.

They said that China’s modernisation strategy required access to abundant supplies of energy.

“This context fully highlights the significance of Gwadar, CPEC and One Belt One Road. It will economically integrate Pakistan,” they added.

The speakers said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the frontline province in the war against terrorism as its government, citizens and security forces performed duty amid blasts, tears and funerals.

“In this bleak environment CPEC has emerged as a good opportunity. Keeping in view these sufferings, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deserves to get benefited from the opportunities provided by CPEC,” they added.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2017