Corridor Front, a forum of various political parties, has announced to launch a mass agitation against the alleged changes in original western route of the multi-billion dollars of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
The announcement was made by leaders of various political parties including ANP-Wali patron-in-chief, Begam Nasim Wali Khan, Chairman of Awami Workers Party Fanoos Gujar, former provincial minister Nawabzada Mohsin Ali Khan, Jamiat Ullem-e-Islam (Ideological group) leader Farid Toofan, Central leader of Pakhtunkhwa Olasi Tehreek (POT) Dr Said Alam Mehsud and others during a joint press conference organised by POT at press club, here on Wednesday.
Dr Said Alam said the protest campaign would be initiated from district Karak, on July 24, against alleged changing in the original western route of CPEC by the federal government, which later would extend to other parts of the province. He further explained the campaign main objective to sensitise masses against discrimination of the Centre, with smaller provinces, especially with KP, and Fata under the economic route.
Under the second phase, he added the protest would be held at Thakot on August 20, to further build pressure to attain due rights and share of the Pakhtuns. He alleged the federal government of continuously ignoring rights of smaller provinces, and deceiving the people on pretext of execution of work on western routes of CPEC. He said the economic route should be passed through Burhan M1 via Peshawar, to southern districts, like Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat DI Khan annexing with Zhob to Gwadar.
Dr Said Alam said they had conveyed their concerns to the Chinese government regarding the alleged changes in original route of CPEC by the federal government, adding that they could not accept any changes in early planned western route of economic corridor, otherwise he said it would be fuelled public outcry across the country. He said a well-planned conspiracy is being hatched to keep deprive KP, Gilgit Baltistan, Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) and Balochistan of its basic rights.
Begam Nasim Wali termed any changes in early planned western route of the corridor was tantamount to depriving the Pakhtuns of their due rights. She vowed to render for every sacrifice to attain their legitimate rights. Mohsin Ali Khan said that the mass procession would be held in Karak on July 24, and urged the leadership of various political parties and people to fully participate for the sack of their rights. Fanoos Gujar said that if all the KP leadership gives just 10 minutes to the CPEC issue then there would be no need to raise issue at floor of parliament house.