Pakistan’s economic future hinges upon CPEC success: Shehbaz Sharif
Karachi: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan’s economic future hinges upon the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Addressing a passing out parade of 117th Midshipman and 25th Short Service Commission course at Pakistan Naval Academy here, the PM stressed that CPEC projects must be completed expeditiously in the national interest.
“Pakistan’s future is linked with CPEC. The success of CPEC is the success of Pakistan. Gwadar port is its (CPEC’s) major project,” he maintained.
The PM mentioned that the government was committed to complete the CPEC projects at the earliest in Pakistan’s own interest.
He underlined that Pakistan was blessed with large coastline which held vast potentials which could be utilized by boosting of the maritime economy.
The PM emphasized that Pakistan believed in peaceful co-existence and wanted to promote friendly relations as it did not harbour any designs against anyone.
He said the entire nation was proud of its armed forces for their continuous vigil to foil enemies’ designs and rendering huge sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
He observed that Pakistan navy had been effectively playing its part to the overall deterrence and national security with the available resources.
The PM underscored that Pakistan Navy had even more important role to play in the present age of ever growing blue economy, marine security and strategic defence.
He noted that Pakistan Navy with its available resources continued to fulfill and perform well to meet the international obligations, besides countering multiple challenges.
He said equipping Pakistan Navy with the latest technology for safeguarding maritime borders of the country was a priority of the government.
Lauding the contribution of Pakistan Navy, the prime minister said that it had a legacy of valour and professionalism and expressed the confidence that the newly commissioned cadets would further strengthen that legacy.
He remarked that the maritime domain was continuously shifting, mainly due to technological advancement and power re-shuffle globally.
The PM acknowledged that the three Services had proved their mettle against all threats at the borders.
Later, the prime minister gave away awards to the distinction holders. The prestigious Quaid-i-Azam Gold Medal was awarded to Lt Syed Irtaza Haider Naqvi for his Overall Best Performance.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah also attended the passing out parade.
