Abbasi directs timely completion of development projects
GWADAR: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday directed that the series of development projects in Gwadar must be completed on time in order to ensure that the small port city emerges as a global shipping port.
Addressing a groundbreaking ceremony of Rs17 billion worth East Bay Expressway, the prime minister said the economic-free zone would be completed this year, while work on the Port project, Pakistan China Friendship Hospital, Power Plant, Gwadar Airport etc— under the Rs170 billion plan for the uplift of Gwadar—would also be completed on time.
The prime minister said a number of power projects under the CPEC have been inaugurated and were playing a significant role in the economic buildup of the country, hoping that the completion of the East Bay Expressway would cut short travel time between major cities.
PM Abbasi further said these infrastructure projects would go a long way in generating economic activity in the country and ensure its progress. He said the 19.5 km six-lane expressway would ease cargo handling through road and increase connectivity with rest of the country. The project would also link Gwadar Port with the Makran Coastal Highway and improve logistic transportation of import and export.
Terming the expressway a symbol of Pakistan-China friendship, he said the CPEC would further strengthen and deepen this strategic partnership.
Referring to the two main issues raised by Chief Minister Hasil Bajinjo, he said work was going on to provide electricity and clean drinking water to the local residents. It was the responsibility of the government to provide people with basic amenities, he said, adding that in few week time the people would feel the difference.
Vowing to turn the fate of Gwadar around, he asked the Balochistan government to submit its suggestions in this regard, adding the federal government would encourage the traditional trade.
The PM said he was appreciative of the local boat building industry which was part of the local heritage and needed to be encouraged. Showing his commitment toward the locals, he said people of the area needed to be accommodated at all levels, and be provided training, capacity building, education so that they were seamlessly integrated into the new jobs.
In a comment on making the area easily accessible, the prime minister said work on the road to Khuzdar was being completed which would transform the entire landscape, as he remarked that the time to reach Gwadar has been reduced to hours, instead of days.
Regarding the issues related to border access with Iran, he directed Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal to take cognisance of the matter to facilitate the people.
Terming CPEC as a hallmark of development, PM Abbasi said there was no opposition to the CPEC as he rubbished the rumours of provinces having reservations over the projects. He further said the CPEC was not reduced to any particular province and all parties stand united for the completion of the Pak-China flagship projects.