Daily Times

GWADAR: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi performed the groundbreaking of the Rs 17 billion East Bay Expressway and directed that the series of development projects for Gwadar be completed on time to ensure that the port emerges on the world map as a major trade hub.

Addressing a ceremony, 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 Rs 170 billion plan for uplift of Gwadar would also be completed on time.

The prime minister said these infrastructure projects would go a long way in generating economic activity in the country and ensure its progress. He said the 19.5km, six-lane expressway would ease cargo handling through road and increase connectivity with rest of the country. The project would link Gwadar Port with the Makran Coastal Highway and improve logistic transportation of import and export, he said.

Prime Minister Abbasi said a number of power projects under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have been inaugurated and were playing a significant role in nation building activities.

He hoped the completion of the East Bay Expressway would cut short travel time between major cities. The prime minister said the East Bay Expressway was symbolic of the lofty Pakistan-China friendship and said the CPEC would further strengthen and deepen their strategic partnership. Prime Minister Abbasi said these projects would transform the small fishing town to a global shipping port. He said Gwadar would soon be on world map, owing to the CPEC project. Referring to the two main issues raised by Hasil Bizenjo, he said work was being done to provide electricity and clean drinking water for the local residents and said it was the responsibility of the government of Pakistan to address these issues. He said in a few weeks time the people would feel the difference.

Regarding issues related to border access with Iran, he directed Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal to take cognisance of the matter and take action to facilitate the people.

He said the local people of Gwadar needed to be accommodated at all levels, and be provided training, capacity building, education so that they are seamlessly integrated into the new jobs being offered. He said he was appreciative of the local boat building industry and said it was part of the local heritage and needed to be encouraged. He asked the provincial government to submit its suggestions in that regard and said the federal government would fully support the traditional trade and encourage it.

He said work on road to Khuzdar was being completed and would transform the entire landscape. He said today Gwadar was at a distance of hours and not days anymore.

He said the CPEC was not limited to any particular province, but was for the progress and prosperity of the country and said it had the support from across the political divide.

Published in Daily Times, November 23^rd 2017.