LAHORE: During a seminar held on Thursday, speakers emphasized that Pakistan should prioritize the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.
They unanimously agreed that fostering economic integration with neighboring countries and the broader region is essential for Pakistan’s economic recovery, growth, and development.
The speakers highlighted that CPEC, a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), should be leveraged to enhance regional infrastructure, energy, and trade connectivity.
They agreed that extending CPEC to Afghanistan is a crucial first step in achieving this goal. However, some speakers pointed out the need for Pakistan to take bold actions to address the challenges hindering progress toward this extension.
Former Ambassador Asif Durrani addressed misconceptions about CPEC’s progress, stating that the initiative has seen remarkable advances over the past decade due to significant Chinese investments.
He said that while extending CPEC to Afghanistan is vital, several obstacles must be addressed, particularly the Taliban’s inability to establish normalized international relations since taking power.
Durrani also pointed out that India views CPEC and its expansion into Afghanistan as a threat to its interests, highlighting that regional stability is essential for promoting economic cooperation, including the extension of CPEC.
Former Minister of Investment Haroon Sharif stressed that connectivity should lead to tangible economic benefits and prosperity for the people, noting that 40% of global connectivity projects fail due to this oversight.
He argued that for Pakistan to integrate into the global market, connectivity with India and China is essential, given that these two countries account for 60% of global growth.
Mirwais Yasini, former deputy speaker of the Afghan Wolesi Jirga, offered an Afghan perspective, stating that security is paramount for economic initiatives. He recognized that for landlocked Afghanistan, CPEC could be crucial for job creation and maintaining stability in the region. He also mentioned Afghanistan’s mineral resources, like lithium, as vital for battery production and industrial growth.
Yasini said that the extension of BRI and CPEC to Afghanistan would provide China with a competitive edge over other international investors, provided security is guaranteed.
General (retd) Nasir Janjua highlighted the opposition from the U.S. and the West to China, along with India’s desire to counter both China and Pakistan.
Participants praised the significance of such discussions, which aim to raise awareness about Pakistan’s policies regarding its neighbors and regional economic cooperation, particularly among the youth.
