Spokesman
for Ministry of Planning, Development & Reform Mr. Asim Khan has clarified
that the propaganda that China prefers Hattar over Rashakai as priority Special
Economic Zone is absolutely untrue and the speculations in this regard are out
of context and one sided.
Asim
Khan maintained that the Rashaki Economic Zone site has been identified by the
Khyber Pakhutnkhwa Government as priority location, approved for inclusion in
CPEC by 6th Joint Cooperation Committee held on Dec 29, 2016 at Beijing,
China. He said that the zone site has been preferred by the KP Govt due
to its location on M1-Peshawar to Karachi Motorway which under CPEC Transport
Plan is part of Western and Eastern, both the corridors. The impression that it
falls on Western Route is incorrect, he stressed. China wanted to promote
Hattar as it falls on Eastern Corridor. Basically, Hattar falls on Northern
Alignment of the CPEC, passing through KP northern region.
In
fact, in 7th JCC held in Islamabad on 21st Nov, 2017, the Pakistan side
expressed that Rashakai SEZ is its preference in KP. The Chinese expert group
noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa pays high attention to the development of SEZs
especially has done abundant work in Rashakai SEZ; it is suggested to make full
use of the positivity of Khyber Palchtunkhwa to promote the construction of
Rashakai SEZ at the earliest. Spokesman Mr. Asim Khan stated that feasibility
study of Rashakai SEZ had already been shared with Chinese side for further
processing of the joint experts groups. In such a situation, raising question
on the priority SEZs list, already agreed, is baseless discussion.
Asim
Khan further clarified that the main project of Western route; Hakla to Dera
Ismal Khan 285 Km Motorway is planned to be completed till end of 2018, much a
head of Eastern Route Multan-Sukkur Motorway project. Western Route is already
operational and construction of Hakla Dera Ismail Khan Motorway would further
decrease its length, linking Dera Ismail Khan directly to Northern Alignment of
CPEC
*****
