THE China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is in the news these days. It is a hot topic. There are people who vehemently say they will not accept any change to the route. It is obvious they know what the previous proposal was and what change is being contemplated, but they do not come out with any details.
On the other hand, the government has issued a map which clearly shows the three routes. It also indicates the various cities on the route. The question arises as to what is being objected to.
The fact is that the road coming from Kashgar will at one point hit the PeshawarIslamabad motorway. From this point the road via Lahore, i.e. the eastern route, becomes available.
The western route also starts from that point. It reaches Peshawar and then turns southwards. The government has already indicated that work on this route will be taken up on a priority basis and completed by Dec 2016. It has also been pointed out that work is already in progress between Gwadar and Quetta.
The third and the middle route also starts f rom the point mentioned above. It is the Indus Highway. From Islamabad, it reaches Mianwali and continues southwards. There has never been a controversy about this highway.
A lot of work needs to be done on this route.
No change has been made in the western route. The only thing that can be emphasised is that this route will be given priority and work completed at the earliest.
The government has already announced this. So there is no problem about this route.
As regards the eastern route, it already exists. The moment the road coming from Kashgar touches the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway, the route becomes operative. Itonly needs improvement. So there is no problem about this route as well.
The problem can only relate to the middle route. If some people want that the Indus Highway should not be built, they should openly say so.
If I have not understood the position, I am open to correction. I will be extremely grateful for any guidance.
