Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has urged National Highway Authority (NHA) to accord priority to communication projects in Balochistan so that it could be integrated with rest of the country by accelerating economic activity.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while chairing a meeting to review the progress of Mega projects of NHA at Prime Minister’s House on Saturday.
The Prime Minister said that projects which are near completion should be completed on fast track basis so that the burden on PSDP is minimized. Early completion of these projects, he maintained, is essential to minimize the impact of inflation.
The Prime Minister said that government gives highest priority to development of road infrastructure, essential for economic prosperity of Pakistan. The government, he said, during the past four and half years had initiated a number of road development projects which are now near completion.
The Minister for Communication, Arbab Alamgir apprised the Prime Minister that NHA has initiated 79 mega projects amounting to over Rs. 600 billion across the country. Out of which 33 projects are being executed in Punjab, 17 in Sindh, 14 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 12 in Balochistan and 3 in Gilgiit- Baltistan and AJ&K.
The Minister apprised the meeting that the on-going mega projects of Faisalabad-Khanewal-Multan M-4 in Punjab, Lyari Express in Sindh, Naran-Jhalkand N-15 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , Kalat-Quetta-Chaman N-25 in Balochistan and West bank Bypass in Muzaffarabad would be completed by the end of this year.
Referring to the work on Atta abad Lake project, The Prime Minister said the project came under discussion during his visit to China. The Chinese premier assured that government of China will ship all necessary equipment to Pakistan to ensure that work is carried out as per international standards and completed timely.
The Prime Minister said that keeping in view the importance of the project, he would visit Attaabad Lake site once necessary equipment and mobilization is completed.
The Prime Minister directed Ministry of Communication to expedite the work on Lowari Tunnel.
It is a very strategic project as its completion would open access to Tajkistan, an important Central Asian Country, he added.
Soon after the meeting, the Prime Minister left for a two day visit to flood affected areas of Southern Punjab and Balochistan. He will also give away cheque to the victims of fire incident in Karachi.
The meeting was attended by Qamar Zaman Kaira Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ch. Saeed Iqbal Parliamentary Secretary, Babar Yaqoob Fateh Chief Secretary Balochistan, Syed M. Ali Gardezi Chairman NHA, Raja Nowsherwan Sultan Member Planning NHA, Maj Gen Obaid Ullah Khan IG FC, Maj Gen Javed Mehmood Bokhari DG FWO and secretaries of relevant ministries.
"Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has urged National Highway Authority (NHA) to accord priority to communication projects in Balochistan so that it could be integrated with rest of the country by accelerating economic activity". The decision to withdraw Malik Qayyum's letter, observe "youm-e-ishq-rasool (sallahoalaihwasallam), and now according priority to communication projects in Balochistan, I can't beleive this is the same man who was earlier minister fo water and power. I congratulate Mr. Raja for looking like a "raja" of the pre-British days, who were well-informed and cared about the people. Even if it is political point-scoring, the graceful stance of our PM is befitting his post. It seems that with this positive approach, even 6 moths are enough for the man to do more than what Mr.Gilani did in 4.5 years. Well done Raja!
I don’t understand why governmnet give priority in high way project while neglecting railway,railway should more priotarized, metro rail, which is availabel in delhi,mumbai like that should setup in lahore insted of rapid bus system project,it could be introduce also in islamabad,karachi,Govt.have chance to corruption in mega high way project & rapid bus system project,so railway should be given more concentration.
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