CPEC to be implemented on time, as planned: Shehryar Afridi

— Says working groups considering 35 areas to chalk out policies in 100-day plan

— Interior minister believes ‘gone are the days of civil-military discord’

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi said on Sunday that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was the top priority of the federal and provincial governments and there should be no doubt that the game-changing project would be implemented on time.

The assurance comes amid doubts being raised over the fate of $62 billion investment pledged by China. Out of the total portfolio, projects worth $20 billion have already been executed as part of the early harvest projects under the CPEC.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government recently came under strong criticism following an interview by carrying a suggestion by a key advisor of the prime minister who talked about slowing down CPEC and putting it for a review.

Although the advisor claimed that his statement was twisted and he was quoted out of context, the criticism and concerns are yet to subside.

In an exclusive interview with Pakistan Today, Shehryar Afridi – the young and energetic lawmaker who recently took oath as interior minister – said that the security forces would provide full protection to the CPEC projects, Chinese workers and officials linked to the multi-billion-dollar project.

“There should be no doubt about government’s commitment towards CPEC and the project would be implemented on time,” he made it clear, adding that “rumours about slowing down the CPEC are nothing but a part of enemy’s propaganda.”

“No compromise will be made on the security of CPEC projects and all projects which will be implemented without any delay,” the minister, who is responsible to make these arrangements – said.

Reminding the active role he played to build party-to-party contacts between the PTI and Communist Party of China (CPC) back in March 2016 when PTI’s sincerity towards CPEC was being questioned, Afridi said that he would keep playing his role to scuttle any negative propaganda by the enemies of CPEC and Pak-China ‘iron-brother’ friendship.

“You need to understand that under my leader, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan-China friendship would get even stronger. Negative minds can’t damage this bond,” he added.

ACTION PLAN UNDERWAY:

When asked about the major challenges faced by the PTI government from economic to military fronts, the minister said that PM Khan’s team was working day and night to chalk out a plan of action in all fields.

“We are in the phase of policy formulation under the 100-day plan. Various working groups are busy formulating strategies on 35 various areas. By October 31, the prime minister would come up with a comprehensive plan to transform Pakistan into a dynamic and vibrant welfare state. The decisions would have long-term impact and there would be no political intervention in affairs of state institutions,” maintained the young minister.

Asked about Pakistan, Afghan relations, Afridi said that Pakistan wanted relations with neighbours based on mutual respect and equality.

“A peaceful Afghanistan means peace in Pakistan. No non-state actor would be able to use Pakistani soil against any neighbour in future. Pakistan has defeated the menace of terrorism and each and every inch of Pakistani territory would be protected. There would be no compromise on national sovereignty,” said the minister.

Afridi further said that the PTI government’s top priority was to put an end to the mistrust with Afghanistan. He said that Pakistan had hosted Afghan refugees for a record period of over 40 years but now Pakistan could no more host them due to its crunch financial situation.

‘CIV-MIL TIES EXEMPLARY NOW’:

Responding to a question about civil-military relations, Afridi said that the civil-military relations were exemplary now.

“We have given a message to the world loud and clear. Gone are the days when the enemy could paint discord between civil and military leadership. Today, the civilian and military leadership are on one page on all issues. This bond would further be strengthened,” he added.

On a query about law and order situation in the country, the interior minister said that the PTI had come to power with the slogan of ‘change’ under PM Khan.

“As per the vision of PM, maintenance of peace and elimination of the menace of terrorism is the top priority of the government. ‘Pakistan First’ is the motto of all institutions. We will move in tandem to achieve this objective,” he added.

He said those elements who want to destabilise Pakistan must know that the armed forces, paramilitary and civil armed forces stand united to protect and promote Pakistan’s cause and protect its boundaries.

“Entire Pakistani nation stands behind our forces. We will fulfill all requirements of our forces so as Pakistan’s borders and protected and its sovereignty is maintained,” he said and added that the forces would fight and defeat the enemy in across country.

The interior minister vowed, “Future belongs to Pakistan,” adding that “we will not only survive but also compete, defeat and frustrate all enemy designs.”

He said the role of security forces should be acknowledged who have rendered matchless sacrifices to defeat the menace of terror.