July 20, 2021
2 mins read

Islamabad approves extension of CPEC western route to Gilgit

With the addition of Gilgit-Shandur, Shandur-Chitral and Swat motorway, western corridor would be 1,617 km…reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan government on Wednesday decided to extend the Western Route of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Gilgit via Swat, Chitral and Shandur.

With the addition of Gilgit-Shandur, Shandur-Chitral and Swat motorway, western corridor would be 1,617 km, reported Pakistan Today.

The meeting to extend the route was chaired by Federal Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar. The meeting was attended by Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid, Chairman CPEC Authority Asim Saleem Bajwa and other officials.

As per the earlier plan the Western Alignment of the CPEC was to be of 1,153 kilometres starting from Gwadar in Balochistan to Brahma Bahtar Interchange near Hasan Abdal, of Punjab province, reported Pakistan Today.

According to an official, through connecting Shandur-Chitral road project (172 km), Gilgit- Shandur route (212 km) and Swat Motorway (M-1) of 80 km with the Western Corridor, GB would be given an alternate route to existing Karakorum Highway to link with other provinces of the country.

It is pertinent to mention that all routes of the western alignment go through remote areas where poverty rate is higher, jobs are less and industrial development and infrastructure is very low.

Pakistan in the name of development of these regions has given projects to CPEC despite the opposition from the peoples of the area.

Analysts have pointed out that several existential issues pose a serious challenge to the way CPEC is unravelled and executed in the region.

These include factors such as internal strife and sectarian conflicts within Pakistan, particularly in the insurgency-prone areas in Balochistan, where CPEC has made significant number of investments.

Gilgit Baltistan.

ALSO READ: India fast tracks ties with Tajikistan as China-Pak go all out

China-driven by its greed for power and resources has taken a calculated risk to establish its own ‘sphere of influence’ in the Gilgit Baltistan region. Sadly, however, this is being done at the cost of the environment, impacting local livelihoods and changing demographic structures while Pakistan, the country calls its iron brother, acting as a vassal state, surrenders its much-fought sovereign character to a culturally alien neighbour.

The CPEC, which is regarded as one of the most important components of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiative, has faced opposition from various political parties in Pakistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government in May passed a bill for the establishment of the CPEC Authority despite strong opposition from members of Parliament.

According to experts, the bill contains sweeping powers and legal immunity to plan, execute and expedite projects being undertaken under the CPEC.

Apparently, China has forced CPEC Authority on Pakistan because it wanted the army to be directly involved in the CPEC portfolio as Beijing was reportedly irked with Khan’s slow movement on the project.

This bill comes at a time when the hype created by the government through projecting the CPEC as a panacea for all problems is rapidly losing steam. Struggling local businessmen lament that Chinese investor are cornering key domestic industries, state assets and businesses to the detriment of Pakistani players and interests. (ANI)

ALSO READ: China-Pakistan-Turkey Nexus Put Forth A Dangerous Narrative

Previous Story

Afghan Army Chief to visit India next week

Next Story

Manipuri activist, held for FB post, freed after SC order

Latest from -Top News

Islamists Rise Under Yunus Rule

After the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Islamic parties in Bangladesh, crushed for years by the Awami League government, have made inroads into the political arena…writes Baidya

TIES WITH CHINA: Is Bangladesh Going Lanka Way?

Plans for nine Special Economic Zones, including Chinese-developed sites in Chattogram and Chandpur, promise jobs but risk creating enclaves where Beijing’s economic priorities overshadow Bangladesh’s….reports Asian Lite News On a humid March

Khaleda Zia’s Son Return Looms as Yunus Faces Heat

The core question remains whether Rahman can provide leadership in politically turbulent times in Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News Speculation is mounting in Bangladesh over the possible return of Tarique Rahman, son of

India Eyes Top 5 Spot in Global Entertainment

With focused investments, policy support, and infrastructural upgrades, India is on track to position itself as one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030…reports Asian Lite News Fueled by
Go toTop

Don't Miss

ESPN decides not to send reporters to Beijing Olympics

ESPN had planned to send four ESPN had planned to

ISI’s Smuggling Network and Its Links to Khalistan Movement Exposed

This smuggling network has allegedly fueled the Khalistan movement and