THERE is a hype on the social media about certain conflicting economic and security issues regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Economy and security have always been, and are, reciprocal.

In the prevailing world order Pakistan has to remain relevant to the US to guard its security concerns whether one likes it or not. This is a reality that the Chinese, as a nation, are extremely calculative, believe in sheer hard work and achievement. As regard to the CPEC, we are already late by decades.

Pakistan must do its utmost to expedite the completion of all kinds of development works related to the CPEC, maybe by compromising on certain business deals or conditions.

The CPEC is not going to be a trade corridor than the Suez Canal. But most of the income from the Suez Canal is monopolised by investors like Japan, Korea, Holland, the UK and other investing countries continuously providing and developing the facilities for its functioning.

Egypt gets peanuts out of the Suez Canal revenue though 60 per cent of world shipping sails through the canal. Those who want to slow down CPEC projects for better bargain are living in a fool’s paradise.

Let me discuss another issue. The US has no grudge against the CPEC if Pakistan guards US strategic interests in the region. Let our suspiciousness and lethargy not sabotage a better future for coming generations.

Nawazish Ali

Lahore

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2018