CPEC should not be subject of controversy: Pak Railway Minister

Pakistan Railway Minister Khuwaja Saad Rafique has asked political parties to refrain themselves from criticising the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying the project should not be the subject of controversy.

Coming down heavily on the political leaders seeking a greater part in the CPEC, Rafique said government authorities will never be able to complete this project if everyone expects roads to pass through their areas.

"CPEC is a harbinger of hope for Pakistan. However, many countries, including some of our neighbours, are working against it," the Dawn quoted Rafique as saying.

"Our enemies don't want Pakistan to progress and stand on its feet because it has the potential to be among the wealthiest countries," he said.

The minister said the CPEC will turn into "another Kalabagh Dam" if leaders continued to sabotage the project.

Rafique, during his speech, suggested Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to learn something from his party's political history.

Asserting that the 2018 elections will be fought based solely on performance, he said the PPP should show some performance instead of raising political slogans.