ISLAMABAD: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will play the role of a catalyst for regional connectivity and prosperity and development in the region covered by the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO).

This was said by spokesperson for the Foreign Office Nafees Zakaria during his weekly media briefing here on Thursday. He said the 13th summit of the ECO remained successful with a significant level of representation of the member countries.

Mr Zakaria said the desired outcome of the summit was to enhance connectivity and prosperity of the member countries through route, trade and economic cooperation.

Replying to a question on Afghanistan’s representation in the summit, he said Afghanistan was a sovereign country and could make its own decisions. However, he added, the ECO summit was an important opportunity for Afghanistan to be utilised.

Answering another question, the spokesperson said that Afghan soil was used by India against Pakistan and added that cross-border terrorism affected both sides.

Pakistan was forced to close its border due to frequent militant attacks from the Afghan side, he said and emphasised the need for border management.

“Together we can control terrorism.” He said the Kashmir issue had been raised in the meetings held on the sidelines of the ECO summit.

He deplored atrocities continued in India-held Kashmir and said: “We have taken up the matter both with India and our friendly countries.”

He said massive import of arms by India reflected its desire to play a hegemonic role in the region while Pakistan wanted strategic balance and security in the region.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2017