QUETTA: Balochistan Assembly’s former speaker Aslam Bhootani has said that people of Gwadar must be the top beneficiaries of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

Speaking at an election gathering and talking to newsmen in Pasni on Sunday, he said if demanding equal rights for people was a sin or treason he was ready to accept this allegation.

The former speaker said that the people Gwadar district had many expectations from the CPEC, but unfortunately they had so far received nothing from this mega project. “Even the people of the port city were deprived of drinking water,” he said.

Mr Bhootani, who is contesting election from NA-272- Lasbela-Gwadar, said: “We will not allow anyone to turn Gwadar into another Dera Bugti.”

He said Gwadar had great strategic importance in the region as it had a deep seaport and many world powers were trying to create disturbance here as they considered the CPEC against their interest.

Mr Bhootani said he was not a nationalist but would raise his voice for the legitimate rights of the people at all forums and would not mind if his views and struggle annoyed some people.

“If I get elected, the people of Gwadar would be my first priority,” he added.

He said that as a result of his struggle over 70,000 acres of land allotted for the firing range in the Hingol area of Lasbela district had been cancelled.

Speaking on the occasion, National Party leader Jan Mohammad Buledi said that NA-272 Lasbela-Gwadar was the most important constituency of the country as the international community was looking towards Gwadar Port.

Fortunately sincere politicians like Aslam Bhootani and Ashraf Hussain were contesting from here which was a sign of hope for the people of Gwadar and Lasbela.

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2018

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...