Experts discuss foreign policies at a seminar themed Sino-Pakistan Relations--The New Avenues at China Study Centre of the University of Peshawar recently. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

There is a need for consistency in policies regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to take maximum benefits of the project, according to a forum in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Chairman of Islamic Ideology Dr Qibla Ayaz said such needs include inter-sect harmony in the country and the maintenance of peace in Gilgit and Hazara regions of Pakistan to complete this project of economic progress and development with high quality.

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He was addressing a seminar on Sino-Pakistan Relations--The New Avenues organized by Pakistan China Friendship Association, KP Chapter held at China Study Centre of the University of Peshawar. 

Besides, Pro Vice Chancellor of UoP Dr Mohammad Saleem, Secretary General of PCFA KP Chapter Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani and students also attended the seminar.

He (Chairman of Islamic Ideology Dr Qibla Ayaz) urged the Muslim population of China to adjust themselves in their system and play active role in the politics of their country

Dr Qibla Ayaz had recently headed a delegation of 20 Pakistani religious clerics in a visit to the People’s Republic of China. Prominent members of the delegation included Maulana Mohammad Tayyab (Swabi), Maulana Fazle Ali Haqqani (JUI-F) and Qazi Asif Luqman,  son of the late Qazi Hussain Ahmad.

The members visited Beijing and Urumqi among others, where they met Muslims and also offered Friday prayers at Masajid. The members have had also visited an Islamic Centre at Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, besides getting briefing from the Uygur Muslims. 

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The chairman said that there is no restriction on Muslims to worship and they enjoy freedom of performing religious obligations. He urged the Muslim population of China to adjust themselves in their system and play active role in the politics of their country.

In response to the questions of the students, he said that the People’s Republic of China is playing active role in the global politics. China has utilized its good offices for brokering peace in the Middle East, between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and similarly between others in the region, and has supported the development of Afghanistan. 

The government of Pakistan’s long-term foreign policy should not be changed with the change of the government as CPEC is long-period project and requires consistency in policy, he said. 

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In his speech, Secretory General of PCFA, KP Chapter Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani said that Pakistan and China relations have strengthened with the passage of time. 

He noted that Peshawar-Urumqi and Abbottabad-Kashgar have been sisters cities since 1985 and 2007 respectively, and both countries will continue supporting each other and will work for the progress of the people.

Professor Kausar Takreem, coordinator of China Study Center with University of Peshawar, said that China-Pakistan relations are based on mutual trust and benefits. 

Takreem also emphasized that Chinese authorities are promoting the harmonious coexistence of all the ethnic groups in the large family of the Chinese nation, protecting freedom of religious belief by the law and closely promoting the high-quality economic and social development of people’s livelihood.