Asim Bajwa's categorical assurance.

IN the backdrop of consistent media reports that work on some projects under the framework of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has slowed down, Chairman of CPEC Authority Lt General Asim Saleem Bajwa (R) has categorically stated that work on the eastern, western and central alignments was in full swing and the second phase of the project is just beginning. Speaking to a delegation of senior officials and researchers of the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) he rubbished the claims that work on phase one has slowed down, adding nothing was on hold.

The assurance is meaningful and credible as it comes from the top official directly responsible to oversee all aspects of the CPEC on Pakistan side and it is understood he has intimate knowledge of each and every move as well as what exactly was the progress on individual projects. The very fact that Pakistan has established a high powered Authority to work exclusively to promote the historic initiative and created a special division of Pakistan Army to take care of the security aspects is a testimony of the seriousness of the country to pursue the project vigorously. However, there have been persistent reports of lack of required funding, bureaucratic delays in approval and execution of...