The mega project of Pak-China economic corridor is expected to stimulate economic activities after its completion and will usher in a new era of economic development for the people in the country. Economists hope that the Pak-China economic cooperation will open new vistas of employment opportunities and prosperity not only in Pakistan but also in the region. According to the project, Gwadar port will be connected with Xinxiang province of China through highways and railway links. Oil and gas pipelines will also be constructed to facilitate supply of oil and gas to China from the Gulf countries.
Rumours have been ripe for sometime, suggesting that the government is changing the route of the corridor due to which the people of FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are expressing their reservations on the issue. The joint opposition parties in parliament also protested against any change in the original plan, asking the government to keep the old route intact for the unity of the country.
It is unfortunate that whenever a project of national importance is planned, it is marred by controversies and contradictions. What is the problem with the government in announcing a clear cut position on the issue?All the federating units are equal in terms of rights and responsibilities and there is a need to remove a sense of deprivation in the smaller provinces. It is incumbent upon the government to take into account the concerns of the smaller provinces. Punjab is a big and prospers province and it will not have any negative impact on its economy if the route of the corridor passes through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The time has come when the national leaders should harbour national approach on national issues and try to avoid these kinds of controversies once for all.
The ruling party should also keep the national interests supreme on the party interests. Earlier, the Kalabagh Dam project has been practically shelved on the behest of the elements who are on the payroll of their Indian masters. India will never want a prosperous Pakistan and will try its best to spoil any project which could bring prosperity in the country.
It will be plausible if the government keeps the original plan intact and starts work on the project without any delay. Sooner the work on the economic corridor starts the better and the political parties should also help the government resolve this controversy.