‘DECADE OF CEPC CELEBRATIONS’ GET OVERWHELMING RESPONSE

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

TH E government has received an overwhelming response over the 10-year celebrations of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) across the country particularly after the two-day international conference held in the federal capital last week

The event brought together esteemed participants with diverse expertise to delve into the socioeconomic impact of the CPEC a news release said on Sunday

The two-day international conference titled Decade of CPEC and Belt & Road Initiative (BRI): From Vision to Reality, organized by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan concluded on July 25 with the pledge to continue implementing CPEC for the country s prosperity

The key objective of the conference was to bring together policymakers, scholars, practitioners, and other stakeholders to ex-

Ahsan Iqbal highlights

CPEC achievements, Sino-Pak deepening ties

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday highlighted milestone achievements made under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during the last 10 years and the deepening relations between the two countries also known as Iron Brothers with each passing day Addressing a news conference here ahead of the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of China in connection with CPEC’s 10-year celebrations, he signified the CPEC agreements signed in 2015 which transformed Pakistan s profile from a security state to an investment destination He lauded Chinese President Xi Jinping s role in elevating Pakistan's image globally as an attractive investment destination, fostering economic cooperation and development The minister highlighted that in the span of three years CPEC saw the successful completion of numerous projects worth around $25 billion These projects encompassed various sectors including power generation, infrastructure development, education and more, he said adding the Thar coal project stood out as a monumental achievement harnessing Pakistan's vast coal reserves for power generation making it a significant contributor to the country s energy needs Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that CPEC provided opportunities for Pakistani workers and engineers to acquire training in modern technology and project management Additionally, he said, the collaboration between China and Pakistan in the education sector facilitated thousands of Pakistani students to pursue higher education in China

The minister expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping for China's unwavering support and investment in Pakistan during challenging times He stressed that China's investment of billions of dollars in CPEC projects illustrated its status as Pakistan s most reliable friend and a key partner in economic development Talking about the current government s approach to CPEC, the minister said the revival of CPEC initiatives under Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's leadership demonstrated Pakistan's renewed commitment to economic growth and collaboration with China Ahsan Iqbal acknowledged the positive turnaround in Pakistan s economy indicating renewed global interest in the country

He cited examples of significant improvements in Gwadar Port's handling of cargo and the completion of pending projects that had been stalled for years during the tenure of the previous government

Regarding the upcoming visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of China Ahsan Iqbal mentioned that the event aimed to commemorate the ten-year journey of CPEC

He anticipated that the visit would lead to further progress in business-to-business links industrialization and cooperation in science and technology between China and Pakistan

The minister also shed light on the ML-1 project, expressing optimism that its technical parameters had been agreed upon, paving the way for its implementation soon

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He pointed out that the bill had 33 articles and 100 sub-clauses adding that these were applicable to all including politicians and the common man Siddiqui pointed out that the bill did not come from the NA and had come directly to the Senate After coming to us directly, it is our responsibility to thoroughly look at it before sending it to the NA We agree with its aims and objectives but we fear that if this bill is approved as it is without going to the committee [ ] then it may perhaps be difficult to escape its clutches in the future, he said Subsequently, Minister of State for Law and Justice Shahadat Awan tabled the bill on behalf of the interior minister “Is it opposed?” asked Chairman Sanjrani to which senators said it was Should I send it to the committee or take it to passage? he then asked PTI s Mohmand then said that this was an important bill that would have an effect on people s lives But when I was perusing the bill, it seemed as if Rana Sanaullah [named] the bill to prevent violent extremism but maybe he wanted to prevent PTI from taking part in the next elections He said that each clause reeked of targeting the PTI He pointed out that members of the change ideas and insights related to economic social environmental and geopolitical impacts of CPEC and BRI

Hundreds of participants from across the world particularly from China took part highlighting the achievements of the 10-year celebration of CPEC

The conference revolved around the socioeconomic impact of CPEC, opportunities for industry relocation regional connectiv- ity, technology transfer, cooperation for security geopolitical implications and maximizing synergies in CPEC and BRI initiatives and people-to-people connectivity

Over the decade, the two countries known as Iron Brothers have developed strong bonds in diverse fields CPEC effectively helped Pakistan in improving its energy security as well as trans- port networks from north to south and laid the foundation for a resilient infrastructure including ports airports roads and railway

The platform provided an opportunity to review CPEC s achievements in fostering economic growth and cooperation between China and Pakistan over the past decade

A high-level delegation from China has arrived in Pakistan on his two-day official visit which is part of the CPEC s celebrations

It is noted that since the incumbent government came into power in April 2022, CPEC projects have been revived which remained shelved by the previous government Prime Minister Shahbaz already reiterated his full commitment to complete CPEC projects and in this regard the premier visited China when he took charge as a PM

Under the conference different technical sessions were held which include SocioEconomic impacts of CPEC, Prospects of Regional Connectivity Through Gwadar Port Opportunities for Industrial Relocation and Export s; Green Technologies and Development; Security and Geopolitical Implications; Innovation Technology and Global

PPP al ways foc used on well-being of people: NA S peaker

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

The National Assembly Speaker Raja

Pervaiz Ashraf reaffirmed on Sunday that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)’s top priority is the progress of the nation and people s happiness

He conveyed these thoughts while addressing the participants of a public meeting held in Chhapar village, a Union Council Kori Dolal Provincial Assembly candidate Khurram Pervez Raja was also present on the occasion

The speaker emphasized that the PPP had always focused on the wellbeing of the people He further stated that the party had relentlessly worked towards the nation’s development and will continue to sacrifice anything for the prosperity of the people in the future

On this occasion a significant number of people from Union Council Kori Dolal announced their formal joining of the PPP, saying goodbye to their previous parties

Among those who joined were Raja

Muhammad Irfan Raja Muhammad

Yasin Raja Shahid Mahmood Raja

Muhammad Nauman Raja Muhammad Sufian, Raja Wasim, Raja Abdul Wahab, Raja Umair Farooq, Raja Faisal, Raja Manzar, Raja Majid, Khalid

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He prayed for eternal rest for the departed souls and the early recovery of the injured workers He appealed to the JUI-F workers to stay peaceful and immediately reach the hospital to donate blood for the injured persons He also demanded the federal and provincial government to provide best medical facilities to the wounded persons

Moreover Maulana Fazlur Rehman telephoned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and expressed serious concerns over the Bajaur bomb blast He demanded PM Shehbaz Sharif to provide a helicopter for shifting the wounded persons to Peshawar The JUI-F spokesperson said that the premier directed to provide a helicopter The spokesperson said the JUI-F supremo decided to return to Pakistan after cancelling his private visit to a foreign country

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Sunday strongly condemned the explosion in the workers convention of Jamiat Ulema e Islam (F) in Khar Bajaur

The prime minister expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives

He condoled with the chief of JUI-F Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leaders and workers over the unfortunate incident coalition were also opposing the bill and urged the Senate chairman to send it to the relevant committee as the bill would have far-reaching effects If you want to do this then it is better to impose martial law or partial law Why are we sitting here in Parliament?” he said Senator Kamran Murtaza of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) then said that any such legislation required taking allied parties into confidence You are cutting off your own hands with this legislation You don’t realise it [ ] but where fundamental rights are being curtailed and you want to do legislation in this manner in this haste and during the holidays then I as a coalition senator voice my opposition He said that the bill would become a problem down the line for all So please don t do this kind of legislation which is offending the articles of the Constitution,” he said National Party (NP) Senator Tahir Bizenjo said that unfortunately two political parties the PPP and the PML-N were making all the decisions He took issue with the PMLN, saying that they had not taken anyone into confidence over the legislation carried out over its tenure He said that the current bill was an “open attack” on democracy adding that he was “strongly opposing the bill” “If it

Mahmood Raja, Raja Israr, Raja Sajjad, Raja Adeel Raja Sajid Raja Atif Raja

Abid Chohan Raja Riaz Chohan Raja

Javed Raja Khizer Hayat Raja Azhar

Mahmood Raja Majid Raja Sarfraz

Raja Naseer, and other individuals

Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf warmly welcomed all those who joined the party and expressed gratitude to them for showing confidence in the party leadership He mentioned that under the guidance of the party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari, the party was tirelessly working for the betterment of the people day and night He expressed the hope that in the upcoming elections, the PPP would achieve significant success

He assured that every possible means would be employed to ensure the happiness of Pakistan s people especially in Gujar Khan The speaker stated that they were well aware of the challenges and hardships faced by the people and taking effective measures to provide them with necessary facilities

He acknowledged the trust and confidence the people of Gujar Khan had placed in him by electing him as their representative in the parliament

He pledged to continue raising their issues on every platform without any hesitation

He sympathized with the bereaved families over the martyrdom of Amir of JUI(F) Khar Maulana Ziaullah Jan and other office bearers and workers He said the terrorists targeted those who advocated the cause of Islam the Quran and Pakistan

Terrorists were enemies of Pakistan and they would be eliminated he said adding the elements involved in the incident would be meted out strict punishment

He sought a report from Minister of Interior Rana Sanaullah Khan and the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the incident PM Shehbaz strongly condemned the blast at the JUI-F convention He said terrorists targeted those who advocated the cause of Islam, the Holy Quran and Pakistan “Terrorists are enemies of Pakistan and they will be eliminated,” he asserted in a statement released by the Prime Minister s Office adding that elements involved in the incident would be meted out strict punishment He also sought a report of the incident from Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Later in a tweet PM Shehbaz said attacks on political parties showed that the enemies were against Pakistan s democratic system Those responsible will be identified is tabled we will stage a token walkout he said In his remarks JUI-F Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said that their coalition partners did not realise what would happen in the future He also questioned the need for calling a session on Sunday and voiced the party’s opposition to the bill Jamaat-i-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmad said that he had submitted his amendments to the bill which he thanked the Senate chairman for including He said that the 24-page bill was not only against the PTI but against all political parties “This will prove to be the last nail in the coffin of democracy ” he said “Non-elected forces want that democracy is laid to rest through Parliament he said as he opposed the bill He also expressed surprise at the fact that the government had not taken its allies into confidence over the bill “Today you are [introducing] a bill to target a party But tomorrow it will become a noose around PDM parties which is why I reject it Senate Chairman Sanjrani then said that the bill was a routine matter and today s session was called because it was decided in the business advisory that the days needed to be completed and three holidays would not be counted “I drop this bill whether or not the gov-

Value Chains; Challenges to Regional Connectivity and Integration Artificial Intelligence and Labour Market Dynamics

With an overwhelming response to the call for paper the conference also showcased the extensive research and panel discussions featuring distinguished experts aiming to encourage candid conversations and seek solutions to the challenges CPEC presents fostering an inclusive and respectful environment that paves the way for future growth and excellence

The call for papers received an overwhelming response, with 435 extended abstracts from over 85 national and international institutes Rigorous evaluation led to short-listing 310 abstracts and 110 were accepted for full paper submissions 62 authors were invited to present their research during eight sessions of the conference

The Planning Ministry appreciated cosponsors including the Chinese Embassy Islamabad and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan scientific and organizing committees for their efforts in holding the conference

Inefficiency, criminal negligence of PTI’s gov t cost country dearly: PM

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The prime minister also regretted that due to PTI’s sits in at D-Chowk during 2014 President Xi s visit to Pakistan was postponed

He said under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the PML-N government had initiated Haveli and Baloki power plants with power generation of 1200 MW each besides 1150 MW Bhikki project in Punjab

The prime minister on the occasion said the Medical City project would be completed with all the allied facilities and would be at par with the world s renowned health projects like the PKLI was ranked best among the Asia’s top institutes He said the federal and provincial governments would jointly execute the project About the 8km SL-3 Lahore Ring Road the prime minister said the one part of the ring road was left out adding now its completion would facilitate huge number of commuters by removing the vehicular congestion The extension of Metro bus project would serve thousands of commuters on daily basis he added and directed for its completion within three months Governor Punjab Baligh ur Rehman also highlighted the performance of the coalition government during the past fifteen months in which mega projects of public interest were launched and punished The Pakistani nation law enforcement agencies and our protectors will never allow such cowardly tactics of the enemy to succeed The entire nation, including me, is an equal participant in the grief of the families of those who were martyred in the incident ” he added

Meanwhile President Arif Alvi prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls and commiserated with the bereaved families He also wished speedy recovery for the injured and emphasised the timely provision of medical assistance to them In a tweet Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah vowed to bring the perpetrators of today s attack to justice The cowardly acts of terrorists cannot dampen our spirits In a statement on the PPP Media Cell, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari condemned the blast and extended condolences to the bereaved “The federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments should bring the patrons of terrorists to justice he said stressing that terrorists and their planners should be eliminated

Former president Asif Ali Zardari said terrorists were everyone’s enemies “Like Swat the entire country needs to be cleansed of the nurseries of terrorism ” he stated PTI Chairman Imran Khan said he was saddened to learn about the blast and ex- ernment does he said Sanjrani later remarked that the bill had been dropped but would be taken up on the next working day

The session was later adjourned for 3pm on Wednesday (August 2)

‘F R I G H T E N I N G B I L L’ Before the Senate session began PTI’s Sania Nishtar questioned implications of the bill “Wide discretion and sweeping indemnity for the government No independence of review process Curbs on individual freedoms Offences are non-bailable, cognizable and noncompoundable,” she said “What are the implications for human rights right to fair trial freedom of expression and chador aur char diwari values? she asked Senator Mushtaq Ahmad said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government was presenting a bill on violent extremism “This is a frightening bill which will not end violent extremism but will instead increase it ” he said Sections five and six of the bill are draconian This is a bill for banning the PTI he said He said that trying to eliminate a political leader or political party through such means was wrong He said that the government should send the bill to the committee and should not reduce Parliament to a “rubber stamp” tended condolences to the families of the victims The rise in terror incidents across Pakistan particularly in KP, calls for an urgent need to reconsider our priorities, he said, adding that the authorities should focus on eliminating terrorism

Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed also condemned the blast and extended his condolences over the deaths

The federal and provincial governments, forces, intelligence agencies and civil administration have completely failed to protect the people ” he tweeted “The return of terrorism proves that the government s security plan/policy has failed and tribal districts of KP are in the middle of this fire, the JI senator said and demanded that a joint in-camera session of the Parliament should be called to address the issue of rising terrorism

The US Embassy in Islamabad also extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims who lost their lives in the blast in Bajaur district

We strongly condemn this heinous act of violence, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and caused harm to many others Such acts of terror have no place in a peaceful and democratic society We stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan during this difficult time, it said

The bill states that anyone found to be guilty of committing violent extremism may be listed in the Second Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 (ATA) or in the First Schedule in the case of an organisation

The First and Second Schedules pertain to the proscription of organisations and persons found to be involved in terrorist activities and those listed in them are to be kept under strict observation

The bill defines that a person would be guilty of violent extremism if he supports, encourages, promotes, instigates, foments advocates justifies commits or threatens to commit the show or use of force or violence or any hostile action not permitted under the law for resolution of any ideological belief, or any political, sectarian, social, racial, ethnic and religious issue

Detailing the measures that would be taken against any person listed in the Second

Schedule the bill states that the government could impose a restriction on the person s access appearance or use of the print electronic or mass media including social media and FM radio stations It further states that the person s movement, visit, entry or transit to any public or private place or territory of Pakistan or abroad” could be restricted as well