Nawaz to give in-camera briefing

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Federal Ministers will give an in-camera briefing to Parliamentary leaders next week about Pakistan-China Economic Corridor.

A proposal to this effect was given by former President and co-chairperson of PPP Asif Ali Zardari. Several political leaders are expressing concerns over the PCEC, demanding that smaller provinces should get a greater share in the $ 46 billion project. The Parliamentary leaders would be informed about initiating work on these mega projects on an emergency basis.

Sources said the Prime Minister agreed to give a briefing after Finance Minister Ishaq Dar met him before his departure for London about Zardari’s meeting with political leaders. Dar along with Pervaiz Rasheed attended that meeting.

Zardari told the political leaders at the dinner hosted on Thursday that China is a time tested friend of Pakistan and the agreement signed by the two countries would go a long way in developing the entire country. He also informed them about his meetings with the Chinese leaders and said the projects can change the destiny of Pakistan. In this background, he stressed that all political parties must realize their responsibility, show patriotism and if there are any reservations on any project, these should not be aired through media.

ANP and Baloch leaders wanted an assurance that people of their provinces would also benefit from the projects as they have bad experience in the past. The Ministers assured them that the projects are not meant for a particular region.

One of the Minister on condition of anonymity told the INP that the arguments of former President are very important and the government gives due importance to his view point.—INP