QUETTA : Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan has said the provincial government was still ‘blind’ to what exactly exists in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), slamming previous regimes over lack of interest in gaining mega objectives from multi billion dollars project.
This came during a high-level meeting chaired by the CM, where he reviewed the progress of development projects under CPEC in Balochistan on Friday.
CPEC Projects Incharge in Balochistan Hafiz Jamali briefed regarding on-going CPEC related development projects in the province.
Expressing concerns over the slow progress of CPEC development projects in “least developed province”, the provincial government vowed to expedite development projects in Balochistan to provide speedy relief to the people.
“Chinese government has pledged to develop Gwadar port, energy, transport, infrastructure, Gwadar Airport, Pak-China Friendship Hospital and Gwadar Master Plan,” Jamali told the session, adding “Balochistan has a share of 9 per cent in CPEC”.
Provincial Home Minister Saleem Khosa, Finance Minister Arif Jan Muhammad Hasani, Additional Chief Secretary for Planning and Development Sajjad Ahmed Bhutta and officials were present on the occasion.
It was informed that four infrastructure related projects including DIG Khan-Zhob section, Quetta-Zhob section and Quetta-Sorab Section were included in CPEC, which are to be completed till 2020. China also pledged to build 1320 megawatt coal power plant in Hub.
CPEC has changed the dynamics of Pakistan’s business & economic landscape
The progress report on Quetta Mass Transit and water supply to the provincial capital from Pat Feeder Canal was reviewed during the meeting. The minister said that Chinese government would lend loans to the provincial government for these projects while feasibility report was complete.
Sharing his views in the meeting, CM Kamal said “the provincial government is still ‘blinded’ regarding what exactly exists in CPEC for Balochistan calling more earnest efforts toward CPEC related development projects”.
He said: “Balochistan might have gained major objectives from China’s One Belt One Road Initiative but still we have time therefore we must utilise our utmost efforts to provide speedy relief to the people of Balochistan”.
The CM stressed the need for solid planning in all on-going development projects in the province.
About Gwadar Port Authority and other development projects in the port city, it was informed that East-Bay Express Way, Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute, Brake Water and Port Dredging were included in CPEC.
The meeting unanimously decided to implement the agenda of 8th Joint Coordination Committee announcing to finalise the date of laying down the foundation stone of Gwadar International Airport.
Kamal proposed to establish a new department to make sure the implementation of development projects in Balochistan including CPEC related projects.
Moreover, he directed the departments concerned to prepare the feasibility report of Bostan Special Economic Zone and imparting land for CPEC one window shop in Civil Secretariat. Authorities concerned have also been directed to conduct Road Show in coming February in China to lure Chinese investors towards Balochistan and existing investment opportunities.
