ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform Spokesperson Asim Khan has said that a number of development projects in energy, infrastructure and industrial cooperation are under planning and implementation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“These projects have helped in the emergence of new urban centres in these areas, providing job opportunities to local youth” he added.
Asim Khan maintained that some of the projects in KPK include 870 MW SukiKinari Hydropower Project, 120km KKH Phase II (Thakot-Havelian Section), Hakla DI Khan Motorway (285 km), DI Khan (Yarik) –Zhob (N-50) 210 km, ML-1 upgradation and Havelian Dry port, KKH Thakot-Raikot N35 (136 Km) KP-GB, Greater Peshawar Region Mass Transit, KP-Chitral CPEC link road from Gilgit, Shandor, Chitral to Chakdara, Fibre Optic Connectivity Project and Special Economic Zone at Rashakai. While in Balochistan, the projects include Hubco – Coal Based Coastal 1320MW, Gwadar Coal Based Power Project, 300 MW, DI Khan-Zhob and Zhob- Quetta (N-50), Khuzdar-Quetta– Chaman Section (N-25), while Surab-Hoshab (N-85) and Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab (M-8) have been completed.
The spokesman further stated that under CPEC, Gwadar is being developed as a modern port city and a trade hub for the whole region. Beside port development at Gwadar, a number of welfare projects are being implemented with Chinese finances that include Gwadar East Bay Expressway, New Gwadar International Airport, Technical and Vocational Institute, Pak China Friendship Hospital, Construction of Breakwaters, Dredging of Berthing Areas and channels, Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan, Gwadar Free Zone and livelihood projects.
Moreover, Khuzdar-Basima Road, Quetta Mass Transit, Naukundi-Mashkhel-Panjgur Road Project, Quetta Water Supply Scheme from Pat Feeder Canal and Economic Zone at Bostan are part of CPEC. Asim Khan further clarified that the projects completed in Balochistan have already transformed the urban and social landscape of these areas. Urban centres have been developed which has resulted in job creation for the local masses and changing their lifestyles. The long-term plan (LTP) of CPEC focuses on agriculture, tourism and industrial development in these areas and throughout Pakistan which would ensure a true economic growth and pave ways for a better and more prosperous Pakistan.
