“With the establishment of an airport and a seaport, Balochistan will not only connect with the rest of Pakistan but will also connect with the whole world.”
ZHOB (Pakistan) – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has inaugurated the 2,400 km long western route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at Zhob, Balochistan, on Wednesday.
Development projects in Balochistan is the top most agenda of the government of Pakistan, PM said at the inaugural ceremony.
Addressing a gathering after the inauguration, the premier said, “With the establishment of an airport and a seaport, Balochistan will not only connect with the rest of Pakistan but will also connect with the whole world.”
“We believe that Balochistan has the first right over all resources which have been explored in the province.”
All developmental projects will be completed by December 2017, PM Nawaz announced, while adding that “the era of prosperity in Pakistan will begin with the completion of these projects in Balochistan.”
The Premier laid foundation stones (Up gradation) of Zhob-Mughal Kot (N-50) and Qila Saifullah-Wagum (N-70). The 81 kilometers long Zhob-Mughal Kot road project, a part of CPEC to be completed at the cost of Rs 8.80 billion by 2018.
Further, the premier congratulated Rahila Durrani for being elected as the first-ever female speaker of the Balochistan Assembly. ”It is not only an honour for Balochistan but also for Pakistan that a female assembly speaker has been elected in the province.”
Appreciating all political parties for their consensus on CPEC-related projects, PM Nawaz informed those in attendance that a total of Rs200 billion is being spent on the construction of roads in Balochistan, while adding that the Gwadar to Karachi coastal highway will be converted into a motorway.
“The 454km road between Hoshab, Panjgur and Suhrab will be completed by December 2016,” the premier announced.
Earlier, when Prime Minister arrived at the site, he was warmly received by Chief Minister and Governor Balochistan, Sardar Sanaullah Zehri and Mohammad Khan Achakzai respectively. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that CPEC will bring an end to unemployment and poverty in the country. He thanked the political leadership for supporting the government in carrying out the project.
Federal Ministers Abdul Qadir Baloch, Jam Kamal, National Security Advisor Nasir Janjua and political leaders including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Mir Hasil Bizenjo, Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Mushahid Hussain were present on the occasion. Chief Minister Balochistan and Governor Balochistan were present on the occasion.
Addressing the event, Balochistan Chief Minister Sana Ullah Zehri said the project is an important step towards development of the province.
JUI (F) Chief Maulana Fazal-ur Rehman said his party supports development policies of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He said China has proved its friendship for making huge investment in Pakistan.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai said his party is standing by PML-N government in its efforts to make the country peaceful and prosper.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said Nawaz Sharif’s vision will start a new era of development in the country.