PM Khan and Fate of SEZs under CPEC
Ibn-e-Ameer
The previous government had told us that China Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be a milestone for the country. Does it become really a game-changer for the country when special economic zones (SEZs) under CPEC are still a dream? Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under CPEC are a big opportunity for Pakistan to move the country towards industrialization.
The present government of PTI had raised doubt over transparency over CPEC projects because former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was part of this game.
Losing Opportunity?
Prime Minister Imran Khan spent most of his time in government over criticizing PML-N corruption. He seems to be losing the opportunity that destiny had provided him.
Now, there is a flood of inflation across the country.
Khan had claimed to clean up the mess.
Premier tried his best but cartels had failed him.
We know about wheat cartels who pocketed billions by raising prices artificially.
Khan took action and all settled down.
Then, suddenly, sugar cartels came forward to eat its piece of cake.
It was settling down due to the government’s action. Then, the oil cartel made a sudden move in June 2020, and oil disappeared from the country when oil prices crashed across the world due to lockdowns.
Then, a cartel of pharmaceutical companies also took its share in making money.
Pakistan to create special CPEC visa category
Recently, fertilizer cartels came forward to loot the poor farmers.
So, Khan had spent most of the time, fighting cartels inside the country.
People are still fighting inflation due to different factors. No doubt there was an external factor when prices shoot up.
But internal factors were most powerful that failed Khan’s efforts to provide relief to the poor.
SEZs under CPEC Projects
Among this entire saga, PM Khan had less opportunity to focus on CPEC projects.
Even, China had raised doubts over the political will of the present government to move forward on the CPEC projects.
There is also another factor as well.
The agenda of the PTI government was to focus on the social issues of the countrymen.
Mr. Khan initiated different initiatives under Ehsaas Program. He started programs to facilitate the youth through different loans program.
He also launched an initiative of Sehat Card to provide health facilities to the poor. He lost interest in mega projects especially those launched under CPEC.
On the other side, he managed to start construction work on mega-dams like Diamer Bhasah and Mohmand Dam.
Among all, Premier should focus on industrialization which could become a game-changer under CPEC.
There are plans of setting up special economic zones (SEZs) under CPEC.
This is the second phase of CPEC which would help boost industrialization in the country which is a key to taking off economic growth.
Pakistan should ask China to relocate its industry to Pakistan. Government should focus on setting up industries.
The major hurdles are seeking several NOCs to set up industry in SEZs under CPEC. The government should simplify the process of setting up industry in SEZs.
It will help the government to achieve the goal of increasing exports and tapping new markets of the Central Asian States and Russia.
