Ex-CM Dr Malik urges proactive role of local communities in CPEC projects
KARACHI: Former chief minister Dr.Mohammad Malik Baloch has emphasised the need for prioritising the inclusion of Balochistan's local communities in all the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
Speaking at a stakeholders' round-table at Gwadar, Dr.Baloch called for further increasing the share of jobs for locals, particularly in Gwadar and across the province in general.
Political activists, provincial government officials, fishermen and business representatives participated in the round-table, organised jointly by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) and the Association for Integrated Development (AID).
They stressed that inclusive development was the spirit of China's Belt and Road Initiative, and called for direct involvement of local communities in planning and execution of critical development projects in Balochistan.
They also urged federal and provincial governments to address issues such as provision of health and education facilities, supply of potable water and livelihoods of fishermen. - APP