Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has issued directions to complete infrastructure projects planned as part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by the end of 2017.
The prime minister gave the directions while chairing a high-level meeting called to review the progress of infrastructure and energy projects planned under CPEC. He said it will be achieved by mobilising resources and completing financial and technical formalities.
The meeting participants were informed by senior officials of various projects under CPEC that major infrastructure projects of the Peshawar–Karachi Motorway including Sukkur-Multan, Gojra-Khanewal and Lahore-Abdul Hakim Sections of the motorway are ready for groundbreaking.
The meeting also reviewed the Havelian to Thakot road project and other sections of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) that are being upgraded.
A spokesman for the PM House said the meeting also reviewed the progress about the Gwadar East Bay Expressway, Mughalkot-DI Khan Road and various other road projects in Balochistan. The premier said that the completion of road projects in Balochistan under CPEC would be a game changer for the region.
The prime minister was informed that work on Attabad tunnel in Gilgit has been completed which the prime minister is expected to inaugurate in the last week of August this year. The premier also directed to complete work on new Gwadar International Airport in the shortest time possible.
Sharif was also briefed about the projects of up-gradation of 10 railway stations on Peshawar–Karachi main railway line.
The prime minister gave directives for high quality upgradation of railway stations, provision of maximum facilities to passengers and to utilise buildings of railway stations for economic and commercial activities.
Federal Minster for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Secretary Ministry of Water and Power Younus Dagha, Secretary Planning and Development Hassan Nawaz Tarar and other senior officers attended the meeting.