Delegation of scholars from Xinjiang calls on Senator Mushahid Hussain

Date : 05-05-2017

Islamabad: A delegation from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences called on Chairman of Parliamentary Committee on CPEC, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, and discussed issues pertaining to Pakistan's cooperation with Xinjiang province. The delegation is on a visit to Islamabad where they are engaging with key stakeholders and high-level officials involved in the implementation of CPEC projects.

Lead by Prof Dr Xing Guangcheng, Director at Institute of China's Borderlands, the delegation expressed interest in parliamentary committee's role as an overwatch body for ensuring national consensus over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Prof. Xing highlighted the importance of Xinjiang Autonomous Region in providing connectivity to China with Belt & Road countries, especially Pakistan. CPEC's major feed-in artery is the Karakorum Highway which connects Xinjiang with Pakistan's Gilgit Baltistan region, and through further networks of highways, passes through various parts of the country to reach Gwadar.

Senator Mushahid Hussain emphasized the importance of CPEC in creating linkages across the region, especially with Xinjiang which is the gateway to China. He had previously highlighted the role of CPEC as part of the larger One Belt One Road, and how Gwadar Port will be crucial for its success. These linkages were envisioned in the development of Gwadar in 21st Century (G-21) and strengthening of Gwadar to Gilgit infrastructure (G-to-G), and were stressed upon on various forums including the G-21: CPEC Maritime Conference in Gwadar last year.