“The journey will begin from self-reliance in the field of energy which will soon include many other sectors including local and regional trade,” the PEW said.

The project would also boost Pakistan’s production, revenue, defence capability, internal security, political strength, international image and sustainable development, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

He said the initiative would put Pakistan on the path of progress which was not acceptable to some countries including USA and India as it would damage their dominant position in the region.

China had remained a very close ally of Pakistan since decades and now economic interests had brought both the nations together which would help Pakistan resolve many problems, he added.

“Poverty is rising in Pakistan which has a positive relation with environmental degradation and climate change. The poor try to consume whatever is available for their survival, so natural resources become the first victim but the CPEC has the potential to change the situation,” he added.

The creation of new economic centers across the country under CPEC would discourage migration of rural people to the cities ensuring overall development and help resolve the issue of poverty and climate change.

Murtaza Mughal said CPEC was a ray of hope for the people of Pakistan but some elements continue to criticise CPEC on different baseless grounds which was a result of lack of information.