PM terms CPEC projects vital to Pak uplift

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Tuesday was informed that out of total 22 projects in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), nine had been already commissioned, who underlined the need for fast-paced implementation of the same.

Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a briefing on status review of CPEC Energy Projects here. The briefing was attended by Minister for Planning Asad Umar, Minister for Power Omar Ayub Khan, SAPM for Petroleum Nadeem Babar, Chairman, CPEC Authority Lt. Gen. (R) Asim Saleem Bajwa, secretaries of Power, Petroleum & Planning divisions, chairperson FBR, Chief Secretary AJ&K and senior officials.

Chief Secretary Punjab was also available through video link.

Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister said that CPEC projects were vital to the development of Pakistan and these projects would provide huge opportunities in terms of employment, communication and economic prosperity.

The prime minister highlighted that Pakistan enjoys extreme good-will with China that has been proven time and again during emergent situations. He maintained that the fast-pace implementation was in the interest of the country. He emphasised that timely decisions were required so that cost-escalation on these projects was avoided.

Earlier, Chairman, CPEC Authority Lt. Gen. (R) Asim Saleem Bajwa briefed the meeting about progress on CPEC projects. During the briefing, he apprised that there were a total of 22 projects in the CPEC's energy portfolio, among which 9 have already been commissioned.

Detailed briefing was provided on energy sector projects including Kohala Hydropower Project, Azad Patan Hydropower Project, Gwadar Power project, power projects in Thar and Karot Hydropower Project.