Pakistan to host next SCO summit: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that Pakistan will be hosting the next Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, adding that preparations must begin immediately.

Performing the groundbreaking of the T-Chowk Flyover on the Islamabad Expressway on Friday, the prime minister said that the preparation include constructing new accommodations and further beautifying Islamabad. In this regard Tajikistan has gifted saplings and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other teams are working on plantation efforts.

The prime minister termed the T-Chowk Flyover project a milestone initiative for the residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The flyover at T-Chowk, which is also the junction of GT Road and Islamabad Expressway, will be completed at a cost of Rs1.495 billion within 150 days. The project is expected to be completed by February 9. It is being constructed on existing available land with no need for land acquisition and is financed through self-financing by the CDA.

Federal ministers Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Hanif Abbasi were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, the prime minister praised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the CDA chairman and their teams for starting another vital public interest project. He directed all authorities concerned to ensure the highest standards of quality throughout the construction and emphasised that there should be no compromise on quality while completing the project in the shortest possible time.

He also stressed that the government was planning to embark upon another public interest project—a rail car in the twin cities. He said the project would be a great gift for the residents and directed the relevant authorities to begin work on the project without delay.

Speaking on the occasion, the interior minister said the Islamabad Expressway project was already completed, but it was decided that the formal inauguration would be held once the final segment (T-Chowk Flyover) was done. He commended the CDA, Nespak, and other relevant stakeholders for designing the project in a way that no additional land acquisition is required, saving Rs7 billion in the process. He assured that, as per the prime minister’s direction, the project will be completed well in time without compromising on quality.

Earlier, the CDA Chairman briefed the prime minister on the salient features of the project.

Meanwhile, the prime minister, through his official X handle, praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for her leadership in the ongoing flood relief operations across the affected areas, saying she is “leading from the front!”

“Commendable efforts by Chief Minister Punjab in flood relief operations, joined by the tireless dedication of leadership in KP, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan & AJK,” he wrote.

He noted that the calamity had caused immense suffering, yet the farmers, workers, women and children had shown extraordinary courage.

“Pakistanis refuse to surrender to despair,” he said, adding, he had directed all federal departments concerned including the NDMA and Ministry of Climate Change, to remain at the beck and call for all-out support

Separately, in a statement, the prime minister paid tribute to Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider) on his 60th martyrdom anniversary, commending his courage and valour during the 1965 war.

He said that Aziz Bhatti Shaheed set an example of courage and bravery in the 1965 war that would be remembered forever.

“By repelling enemy attacks for five consecutive days, Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed thwarted the enemy’s nefarious intentions of capturing Lahore and celebrating victory. I, along with the entire nation, take pride in Aziz Bhatti Shaheed and his family,” he remarked.

He said that the Pakistan Armed Forces were tirelessly engaged day and night in defending the homeland and the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, like Aziz Bhatti Shaheed acted as a shield to protect the homeland and thwarted the enemy’s evil designs.

“The entire nation, including myself, stands shoulder to shoulder with our brave armed forces in their unwavering resolve to protect Pakistan,” the PM said.