Emerging Policymakers’ Institute (EPI) – an Islamabad-based independent public policy think tank that conducts wide ranging research and analysis on the issues of governance, security, social development, and regional connectivity – has organised a webinar titled ‘Balochistan’s Political Parties Dialogue: CPEC and China’s Global Leadership during Covid-19’.
According to a press release, the dialogue involved speakers from most of the mainstream political parties of Balochistan to reiterate their commitment to make China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a success and discuss China’s achievements in tackling the coronavirus pandemic at home and abroad. The speakers discussed opportunities for Balochistan under joint cooperation mechanism on Covid-19 to uplift its healthcare system, among other important agenda items.
Balochistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai and China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing addressed the forum as keynote speakers.
Chairman EPI, Ahsan Hamid Durrani, gave the opening remarks by explaining purpose of holding the dialogue. He said that the dialogue is an important effort by his organization to bring together Chinese government and the political leadership of Balochistan to discuss the CPEC and Covid-19.
Ambassador Yao Jing in his key note address highlighted the importance of the Balochistan to Pakistan and China. He explained the achievements of China in tackling Covid-19 and also appreciated the efforts of Pakistan in the war against the pandemic.
Moreover, he assured China’s firm resolve to continue standing by Pakistan in the hour of the need. “China has help Pakistan in establishing a 1,000-bed isolation hospital and is continuing helping Pakistan,” he said adding that the CPEC will change the fortune of Pakistan and Balochistan.
The Balochistan governor said both China and Pakistan need each other. He continued: “If they have technology we have resources. We should use the technology to extract resources and get mutual benefit.
“CPEC is not being digested by India and other world powers and they are trying to sabotage it. Balochistan need much attention in all spheres of society. We are the true representatives of Balochistan not BLA-type organisations."
The panel included an impressive lineup of speakers like Leader of Opposition in Balochistan Assembly Malik Sikandar Khan, MPA of Balochistan National Party-Mengal Sanaullah Khan Baloch, Chairman of Hazara Democratic Party Abdul Khaliq Hazara, Central Information Secretary of National Party Dr Ishaque Baloch, Member Central Executive Committee Prince Agha Umer, PML-Q’s Jaffar Khan Mandokhel Dr Hayatullah Khan Khilji of Awami National Party and Pakistan China Friendship Association Secretary General Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani.
They reaffirmed their commitment to make CPEC a success and appreciated the responsible role that China played in combating Covid-19 at home and abroad. The speakers laid stress on expanding the role of Balochistan and increasing opportunities for Balochistan in CPEC.
They also urged for conducting more such interactions with the Chinese Embassy to increase cooperation. CEOs of two Chinese Companies in Pakistan, Ding - CEO Sandark chinese company, and Mr. Zhang Baozhong - Chairman and CEO and China Overseas Ports Holding Company Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, also addressed the forum and highlighted the projects their companies have been doing in Balochistan.