Pakistan resumes fortnightly review meeting on CPEC projects to expedite work

China Economic Net

Islamabad: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said that a fortnightly review meeting on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects was being resumed to expedite work on the CPEC ventures.

Speaking to journalists here, he maintained that CPEC projects will be completed quickly within the time frame for the welfare of the country.

“The PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz) government (between 2013-2018) used to hold fortnightly review meeting on CPEC projects and now this routine is being resumed to expedite work on the CPEC projects,” he informed.

Iqbal shared that he had met with representatives of many Chinese companies working in Pakistan, who had complained of many unresolved issues. The minister mentioned that he had assured them of resolving their issues on priority.

Furthermore, he stressed that keeping in view the recent incidents, the government had decided to ensure fool proof security for the Chinese working in Pakistan.

The minister added that due to increase in fiscal deficit, the government had to cut the federal development budget to only Rs 500 billion.

Iqbal remarked that the government was giving special priority to the youth of the country in the incoming budget for fiscal year 2022-23, as number of new initiatives were being considered for them.

He contended that in the upcoming budget, the government would introduce multiple skills training projects for the youth to enable them earn their livelihoods besides contributing to the country’s productivity.

He noted that in the next budget the government would also give special focus on the education sector and will increase fund allocation for the higher education.

“Projects of sports and recreational activities would also be introduced in the upcoming budget,” the minister added.