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Pak accuses India of planning to sabotage CPEC, endangering regional peace
Pakistan on Thursday accused India of planning to “sabotage” the ambitious $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as well as endangering regional peace
Pakistan on Thursday accused India of planning to “sabotage” the ambitious $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as well as endangering regional peace through it military buildup.
“We are aware of Indian (government’s) plans to sabotage CPEC,” ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said during a weekly briefing, adding that “India’s interference in Pakistan is not concealed”.
He added that India’s nuclear weapons were a threat to peace in South Asia. He also said that “massive purchase of weapons by India could lead to instability in the region”.
According to Zakaria, even Kulbhushan Yadav -- the alleged Indian spy arrested in Balochistan -- had admitted to making an attempt to affect the work on the CPEC.
Zakaria said the CPEC was not only beneficial for Pakistan, but for the entire region as it was an economic project.
He also condemned Indian firing on the Line of Control, saying three Pakistani soldiers had died due to it.
Pakistan also accused India of endangering regional peace through it military buildup.
“Indian defence buildup is not in the interest of the region,” Zakaria said. “It is a matter of grave concern and endangering the peace in the region and disturbing the strategic balance.”
Zakaria’s comments came days after Pakistan claimed that India was building a “secret nuclear city” and has accumulated a stockpile of nuclear weapons which threatens to undermine the strategic balance of power in the region.
Speaking at the weekly news briefing, Zakaria also alleged that Indian “atrocities” against Kashmiris were continuing unabated.
Zakaria said Pakistan was committed to the Kashmiris’ “legitimate movement” for self-determination.
He accused India of “violating ceasefire on the Line of Control and Working Boundary resulting in loss of precious civilian lives”. He said Pakistan has repeatedly lodged protests with India in this regard.
