Daily Times

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday said not only transparency and good management were extremely important for the sustainability of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, but ‘balanced development’ was also a must to increase people’s stakes in the national unity and cohesion.

“Socio-economic justice resulting from the balanced development will increase people’s stakes in national unity and cohesion. For our enduring progress and prosperity, this sense of coherence will be our greatest asset,” he told a seminar in Gwadar.

General Raheel said that CPEC Terming the CPEC a lifetime opportunity for Pakistan to improve the socio-economic equation of its underprivileged areas and populace, the COAS said at the same time, the CPEC had also raised many eyebrows by those competing for influence in the region. “In this context, I must highlight that India, our immediate neighbour, has openly challenged this development initiative. We all know that hostile intelligence agencies are averse to this grand project.”

The COAS made a special reference to the Indian intelligence agency RAW that was blatantly involved in destabilizing Pakistan. “Let me make it clear that we will not allow anyone to create impediments and turbulence in any part of Pakistan. Therefore, it is important for all to leave behind confrontation, and focus on cooperation.”

“As the chief of army staff, I assure you that security of CPEC is our national undertaking and we will not leave any stone unturned. We will continue to keep a close watch at its every step,” he said. To this effect, he added, 15,000-strong dedicated force is already in place under the ambit of Special Security Division. “CPEC, besides being at the core of our national resolve, is a reflection of Pakistan-China friendship. It will be truly realized, whatever it takes. Insha Allah this year, we will move cargo from heartland China to Gwadar and beyond, fulfilling our dream.”

On the issue of terrorism, the army chief said, “Having passed through tough fight against terrorism, let me say with satisfaction that we are in the final stages of our military operation in FATA.” He urged the international community to not only acknowledge the successes and sacrifices, but also come forward in blocking external help to these terrorist organizations and their facilitators, abettors and financiers.

With relative stability achieved, environment is now set for launching of development prong, he said. He emphasized that the greatest asset of the country was youth. “Whatever we build today, we build it for them. The investment that we are making in our youth today, will enable them to take on the challenges of tomorrow and lead this great country to a prosperous future.”