Attempt to obstruct CPEC will be thwarted, Gen Raheel tells China
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif reiterated on Friday his firm resolve that any attempt to obstruct or impede the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project would be thwarted at all costs.
Speaking on occasion of the Chinese army’s 88th anniversary, he said cooperation on the CPEC would benefit the entire region.
According to ISPR, the COAS said recent strides and the holistic concept of the CPEC spoke volumes in this regard.
“We will see both nations progressing and further maximising the dividend of our geostrategic relations.”
He said the entire world looked at the CPEC through the same lens.
He had visited the site of the project and the pace of work was in full gear, he said.
Gen Sharif said both countries had deep and resolute relations. “The all-weather friendship is sweeter than honey, higher than the Himalayas and deeper than oceans. Our friendship will further grow in these testing times.”
He said: “Your enemy is our enemy. Eliminating the East Turkistan Independence Movement (ETIM) is its manifestation.”
The COAS said that the Pakistan-China cooperation for regional stability would squeeze space for anti-state and non-state actors and help ensure a stable Afghanistan.
He congratulated the Chinese people and their army for their sacrifices in pursuing dreams and said the PLA was one of the best armies.
“Pakistan Army and the Peoples Liberation Army form the edifice of our strategic relations. We will defeat nefarious designs of forces detrimental to us.”
FLOOD RELIEF: Also on Friday, Gen Sharif announced army’s one-day ration for people affected by the floods.
He made the announcement while reviewing the Pakistan Army’s ongoing flood relief efforts in the country.
He directed all concerned to continue rescue and relief efforts in flood-affected areas and leave no stone unturned in carrying out the task, according to an ISPR statement.
Gen Sharif directed all concerned to act first and report later.
Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2015
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