Says development projects must be completed within the stipulated time, but without cutting any corners
Reviews progress of all infrastructure projects; expresses satisfaction over completion of Khanewal-Multan section of Motorway
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday directed to complete the Western Corridor of the CPEC in a timely manner and to start land acquisition for which the funds have already been allocated in PSDP budget.
The prime minister gave the directive while chairing a meeting to review the progress of infrastructure projects in Pakistan at the PM House.
National Highway Authority (NHA) Chairman Shahid Ashraf Tarar gave a detailed briefing to the prime minister about the CPEC route and the Western Corridor. The prime minister directed staff of the PM office to coordinate with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan governments to fast-track land acquisition process.
Sharif said that the Western Corridor was his commitment to the nation in the All Parties Conference and he intended to honour it.
He said that the government had made unprecedented investment in infrastructure projects in Balochistan and as such, it was for the first time that 100 per cent PSDP funds had been released by the federal government to Balochistan.
The prime minister emphasized speedy development of the projects along with strict adherence to all the applicable procurement guidelines.
He said that the speedy implementation of the projects should not compromise the transparency standards. He added that the projects must be completed within the stipulated time.
The prime minister was briefed about the feasibility designs and timeliness of different parts of the projects like Burhan-DI Khan, DI Khan to Zhob, Zhob to Quetta etc.
The prime minister was briefed that financial closure of Lahore to Abdul Hakim Motorway and Zhob to Mushakot Motorway had been done and that these projects were ready for the groundbreaking. The prime minister decided to do the groundbreaking of these projects in November 2015. He was informed that work on Khanewal to Multan section of Motorway was complete and the project was ready for inauguration in November.
The prime minister expressed satisfaction on the progress of the development works and directed NHA to fulfill its obligation towards the people of Pakistan with utmost commitment and by ensuring transparency and saving tax payer’s money.
The meeting was also attended by senior officers of the PM Office.