The political elements not to play with CPEC project:Ch Shujaat Hussain

Lahore: Pakistan Muslim League President and former Prime Minister Ch Shujaat Hussain has asked the political elements not to play with the integrity and solidarity of the country on the issue of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In a statement issued here today, he said that this project is a great gesture from our time-tested friend China particularly in the prevailing circumstances when Pakistan is fighting internally and externally against terrorism. He said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project is not welcomed by Western forces particularly our neighboring country India and already lot has been written against it in “Washington Post” and “New York Times”.

He said the CPEC undoubtedly is a big game changer but unfortunately we are handling it immaturely on the political front. Sounding a warning, Ch Shujaat Hussain said that lack of maturity on this issue can lead to a great disaster. He said if this project is cancelled or delayed, our country cannot afford to bear the biggest shock of the decade.

He said the entire country is long suffering in the name of consensus and the biggest example of this is Kalabagh Dam. He said no one in the world can achieve 100% consensus on every issue, nor Pakistan was created with 100% consensus. He said no country goes for 100% consensus nor mature countries create issues over development which is in the interest of the country.

Ch Shujaat Hussain regretfully pointed out that especially in our country national level thinking is at the lowest ebb ever and the entire country has been divided in four parts particularly after 2013 elections and 18th Amendment adding this has weakened the federation.

He said that it is not possible that the route of the CPEC project can be changed according to our desired needs or it should pass through in front of our residences, he concluded.