CPEC is the “need” of Pakistan: FM Qureshi

Islamabad:  Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the “need” of Pakistan.

“Whether anyone likes it or not, CPEC is our need. It is our economic corridor for energy and trade. It has to reach its logical end,” he said.

FM Qureshi said that the CPEC will move ahead at all costs and no pressure will overwhelm Pakistan.

“There are hurdles being created and that is why we have made arrangements for the security to ensure the safety of the project. There are elements that can damage it,” he said in a television interview.

While responding to opposition’s suggestion that Pakistan should enhance its diplomatic outreach, Qureshi said: “We are in constant contact with regional countries and taking them into confidence. I have had discussions on the Afghan situation with Iranian, Chinese, Tajikistan and Russian foreign ministers.”

The FM said there will be no compromise on ties with China saying this was a priority of Pakistani foreign policy.