Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday said the decision of Khyber Pakthunkwa government to take the issue of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to court was unrealistic as it would create difficulties for the province.

Foreign investment could not be attracted through courts rather such an action would have a negative impact in that regard, he said in a statement.

Iqbal questioned as to why the KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak had suddenly taken a U-turn after supporting the mega project at the summit on CPEC held on August 29.

All the provinces were being given equal opportunities in the CPEC, he maintained.

The development minister said through CPEC the under-developed and backward areas would get even more benefit from the mega project.

“The national level project of CPEC should not be used for party politics,” he added.

The KP chief minister had alleged that the federal government was cheating federating units of the country on CPEC project.

He said that CPEC project was conceptually initiated by Mushrraf-led government but when PML-N came into power, it initiated different projects in Punjab keeping the rest of federating units in darkness.

Khattak had claimed that the federal government diverted almost the entire amount of $46 billion to projects in Punjab.

He was of the view that work on western route should be initiated and completed first.

"The KP government won’t allow the proposed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to pass through the province if the western route was not made its part," he had said.

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

WITH terrorist attacks surging, resulting in high casualties amongst both civilians and security personnel, it is...
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

FORMER first lady Bushra Bibi’s video address to PTI followers has triggered a firestorm. Her assertion implying...
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...