CPEC to usher in a new era of prosperity in Balochistan: Communications Minister

Gwadar Pro

Islamabad: Minister for Communications Murad Saeed has said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will usher in a new era of prosperity in the Balochistan province.

“The government not only approved the Western Route of CPEC but also initiated with Zhob-Kichlak project”, he remarked in a statement.

He elaborated that the construction work of Hushab-Awaran’s 146 kilometres highway was in full swing which was being carried out 20% faster than its scheduled time.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, he recalled, had already laid the foundation stone of Quetta Western Bypass and Dera Murad Jamali Bypass this year. “The Video of Quetta Western Bypass project has been released and work on Dera Murad Jamali Bypass is underway,” Saeed added.

The minister indicated that work was in full swing on Ziarat- Mor Kach Harnai 165-km highway, 198 km Basima and Khuzdar Highway.

He informed that Khuzdar Highway will also be completed in December this year. “These projects were inaugurated by Prime Minister Imran Khan last year,” he maintained.

Murad Saeed said that Prime Minister Imran Khan will lay the foundation stone of the Jalju Bella project next week.

He pointed out that Karachi-Chaman-Quetta Khuzdar project’s one section procurement phase had been completed while advertisement had been issued for another section of 330-km, adding both these sections will be completed under Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT). “The total length of this road is 796 km,” the minister stated.

These road projects, he predicted, will reduce distances in Balochistan province and also boost the tourism industry and make easy for crops to reach the market on time.

“These projects of development and prosperity will also restore connectivity to other parts of the country. These projects have already provided thousands of people with direct or indirect employment opportunities,” Murad Saeed observed.

The minister said the construction and expansion of highways will not only usher in a new era of economic development in remote areas of Balochistan but also pave the way for economic development in the entire region through CPEC.

“The progress and prosperity of Balochistan province is the development of Pakistan. If Balochistan is prosperous then Pakistan will be prosperous,” he stressed.

Saeed contended that Prime Minister Imran Khan not only promised the development and prosperity of the backward and deprived areas but also took practical steps for it.

He emphasized that Prime Minister paid special attention to the development of Balochistan and the problems of its people. “From time to time the PM expressed his special interest in the resolution of problems of Balochistan and its people,” the minister reminded.

He underlined that the government had always made efforts hard to put Balochistan on a path of prosperity, peace and development where the people can have equal access to health, education, clean drinking water, employment and business facilities.

“This is not just our claim, nor is it a dream, but over the past three years, we have begun to move in the right direction to put these initiatives practically with positive results. The people of the province are also witnessing these changes themselves,” highlighted.