CPEC belongs more to Afghanistan than Pak-China: President

F.P. Report

Islamabad: President Mamnoon Hussain has said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is also of immense importance to Afghanistan in addition to Pakistan and China, as Afghanistan can reap numerous benefits from this project in future. The President said this while addressing the Launching Ceremony of Documentary on Afghan Students Studying in Pakistan at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Tuesday. Chairman, HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad and Ambassador of Afghanistan Omar Zakhiwal also addressed the gathering.

The President underscored that various opportunities are emerging for the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan especially youth after the start of CPEC. He emphasized that due to the name of this corridor, it would not be correct to think that it is only related to Pakistan and China. In fact, this corridor belongs more to Afghanistan than it belongs to Pakistan and China. As several countries from Central Asia and Russia are anxious to become part of this project, all of these will access this corridor after passing through Afghanistan, he added.

He underlined that start of trade between different regions of the world through this corridor will also bring new technologies and knowledge to this region. He stated that it is imperative that our youth should attain expertise in modern knowledge and skills in order to reap benefit from these openings. He highlighted that basic purpose of these scholarships awarded to you in Pakistan is to prepare you for the requirements of modern era. The President stated that Pakistan, Afghanistan and our other sincere friends are trying to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan. He pointed out that our Afghan brothers have suffered enormous losses during the decades of war and Pakistan has also been hugely affected. He said that owing to the situation created by others, Pakistan has lost its seventy thousand sons, daughters, elders and soldiers. Meanwhile, our financial damages are beyond calculation, he added.

He said that antagonists foment misunderstandings and strife for their evil objectives in such situations. In these circumstances, responsible nations take decisions after considering the ground realities. Same is required, keeping in view the regional situation, so that all nations of the region including Pakistan and Afghanistan could live in peace, he added.

The President emphasized that the major reasons behind feelings of mutual respect and love between us are blood relations, regional proximity, shared values and above all the shared religious beliefs which even bind strangers in a relationship of brotherhood that is above all other bonds.

The President expressed pleasure that the number of Afghan students studying in Pakistan will increase from three thousand to six thousand in coming days which will provide better opportunities of education to more Afghan students. He expressed hope that Afghan students will serve their country in various fields after completing education so that the loss suffered by Afghanistan during the last few decades due the international situation and wars could be compensated.

The President also expressed hope that Afghan students will act as the goodwill ambassador of Pakistan after returning to their country. On the occasion, the President also appreciated the documentary on the curricular and extra-curricular activities of Afghan students studying in Pakistan.