CPEC a ‘Game Changer,’ will make it a success, come what may, affirms army chief

RAWALPINDI - Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa says China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is truly a harbinger of economic development, peace, and prosperity in the region.

Addressing a function on CPEC Logistics in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, he said CPEC is also an affirmation of Pakistan's efforts for a peaceful and prosperous region.

He said unlike some other countries of South Asia, Pakistan believe in focusing its energies on peace and inclusiveness, rather than divisive competition.

He said, “the honourable President of China, Mr Xi Jinping’s grand vision of One Belt One Road (OBOR) has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for the countries of the region and beyond. CPEC, being an important project of OBOR, holds great promise for turning around the economies of Pakistan, Western China and the region. That is why we consider it as a “Game Changer,” he added.

"The bottom line is; we must ensure that the people of Pakistan benefit from CPEC to enjoy the fruits of prosperity. This will require leadership, collaborative spirit and capacity building at a much higher pace and level. While Army will provide security to the project, the other National Institutions will have to come forward and play their respective roles," the army chief said.

He further said, “let me assure the audience that the Army and law enforcement agencies are vigilant and are determined to provide foolproof security to CPEC. No one should have any doubt about our commitment to the project. We will make CPEC a success, Insha ALLAH, come what may.”

He said Chinese investment in various fields, including energy, infrastructure, Gwadar Port, and special economic zones can lay the foundation of a fast development Pakistan if the opportunity is optimally utilised.

Commenting on prevailing security situation in Pakistan, the Army Chief said the country is much safer today than before as peace has been restored in FATA and the adjoining areas.

He said normalcy is returning to Pakistan's economic hub of Karachi. Similarly, the law and order situation has improved significantly in Balochistan and there is a great focus on socio-economic development in the province.

The Army Chief said Pakistan is making steady, but sure-footed progress to get rid of the menace of terrorism and extremism.