Politics

Pakistan PM Sharif calls for expansion of China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Published

2 years ago

October 16, 2024

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on Wednesday for the expansion of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to enhance regional cooperation.

He was addressing a heads of government meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a Eurasian security and political group formed in 2001, being held in Islamabad and attended by officials from 11 countries, including host Pakistan, China, Russia and India.

“Flagship projects like the Belt and Road Initiative of President Xi Jinping…should be expanded focusing on developing road, rail and digital infrastructure that enhances integration and cooperation across our region,” Sharif said in his speech as the chair of the meeting.

The BRI is a $1 trillion plan for global infrastructure and energy networks that China launched a decade ago to connect Asia with Africa and Europe through land and maritime routes. Beijing’s rivals see the BRI as a tool for China to spread its geopolitical and economic influence.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif receives the Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, at the venue of the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on the Council of Heads of Government Meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan October 16, 2024. Press Information Department (PID)/Handout via REUTERS
© Thomson Reuters

Western countries, under the G7 platform, last year announced a $600 billion plans to launch a rival connectivity infrastructure development plan. BRI has also been criticised for increasing unsustainable debt in developing countries.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a part of the BRI and has seen Beijing pump in billions of dollars into the South Asian country for road networks, a strategic port and an airport.

Sharif said CPEC would also help enhance cooperation, adding that 40 percent of the world’s population lived in SCO’s 10 full member states.

The SCO meeting is the highest-profile event hosted by the troubled South Asian nation in years. Seven prime ministers are attending, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Sharif also said stability in neighbouring Afghanistan, which lies between South and Central Asia, was essential to fully realizing trade opportunities for the SCO member states.

Also in attendance is India’ External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who is the first Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan in nearly a decade with ties between the nuclear-armed rival neighbours continuing to be frosty.

(Reporting by Gibran Peshimam and Asif Shahzad; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Raju Gopalakrishnan)

Politics

David Mark Holds Secret Meeting With PRP Leaders as ADC Crisis Deepens

Published

6 days ago

April 12, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.

Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.

Politics

“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians

Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.

“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.

“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.

Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.

Politics

2027: Bala declares aspirants over 55 years disqualified in ADC

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.

Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.

“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.

“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.

“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.

“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.