Dr. Talat Shabbir (Director China Pakistan Study Center, ISSI): CPEC is a mega project of connectivity, energy and infrastructure. There was a perception about slowing down of various projects under CPEC in the last few years. However, with the coming into power of new government there is new momentum to work. There are also good news about Gwadar also. Current government is accelerating work on different projects. There is no doubt that CPEC has potential to change economic landscape of Pakistan. It can create millions of jobs in Pakistan, besides reviving our industry. If CPEC succeeds, it would not only help Pakistan to stabilize its economy but also provide benefits to whole region. If we objectively see the project, the Chinese officials are worried about security situation in Balochistan. However, with the improvement in law and order situation, the projects will be executed at a faster pace.

Dr. Amna Mahmood (IR Expert): Gwadar has a pivotal role in China Pakistan Economic Corridor which is a game changer for the development of Pakistan as well as the whole region. CPEC is a manifestation of Pakistan’s shift to geo-economics from geo-politics. Pakistan enjoys a special geostrategic location as it lies between Strait of Hormuz from where half of world oil passes and Indian Ocean. In these circumstances, a strong navy is very much essential for the defense of Pakistan’s maritime boundaries to deter our enemies from launching any misadventure or to stop the sea trade.

Dr. A. Z. Hilali (IR Expert): Conspiring to hold any G20 related event in IIOJ&K is in utter disregard of the disputed status of the territory, and is a travesty that the international community cannot accept under any circumstances. World never gave assent to India’s actions to legitimize itself in IIOJ&K. India is trying to hoodwink the international community by aiming to stage a conference of G20 in IIOJ&K while suppressing the voice of freedom of Kashmiris. Modi government wants to counter the actions of Pakistan which Islamabad is taking to highlight the human rights situation in IIOJ&K at various international forums. It is unlawful and against the norms and values of international conventions. It is high time that world takes notice of India’s stifling of Kashmiris’ demand for right to self-determination and urges New Delhi to stop its human rights violations in the occupied territory. 

Dr. Zahid Anwar Khan (IR Expert): Vast majority of Kashmiris does not want to live under Indian subjugation. In order to divert world’s attention from this fact, India is planning to host G20 meeting in IIOJ&K. Similar attempts of India in the past have miserably failed. India wants to show the world that everything is fine in IIOJ&K and there is no issue in the law and order situation in the territory. India has been subjecting Kashmiris to worst human rights abuses and is stifling the struggle of Kashmiris for their right to self-determination. Pakistan on its end has been highlighting the situation at all international forums, including the UN. Now, it is time that world takes notice of these human rights violations in the occupied territory.