CPEC engine of economic progress for Pakistan, says foreign minister

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday said there was a complete national consensus that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was an engine of economic progress and development for Pakistan.

“Chinese also consider Pakistan’s economic stability and this time-tested friendship will further grow irrespective of the political parties at the helms of affairs,” he said.

FM Qureshi also reiterated Pakistan’s desire for peace and stability in Afghanistan and said it desired China to also play its role in resolving the issue because of its prominent position in the region.

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To a query, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said opening of Kartarpur corridor was a long standing desire of the Sikh community living in India.

He said endorsement by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet over Kartarpur corridor was a great diplomatic triumph for Pakistan.

The foreign minister said the government wanted to engage India on all forums without being oblivious to the core issue of the Indian Occupied Kashmir.

Underlining the Pakistan government’s offer to open Kartarpur border to facilitate Sikh pilgrims, he said the decision of Prime Minister Imran Khan won the hearts of millions of Sikhs.

The FM said the premier had mentioned in his first speech that if India took a step forward Pakistan would take two.

“The incumbent government has its clear policy to maintain friendly ties with the neighbouring countries.” Despite a lot of criticism from Kabul against Pakistan, our leadership decided to visit Afghanistan, said Qureshi.