Pakistan PM inaugurates developmental projects for Balochistan

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated a string of developmental projects for Balochistan in the country's port city of Gwadar.

The development projects include a free trade zone, business complex of Gwadar Port Authority, Pakistan-China Government Primary School Faqir Colony, Sawar and Shadikor dams and Gwadar University, according to Radio Pakistan.

Sharif was given briefing about the projects, related to the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the projects, Sharif said the projects will be completed in the next two to three years.

"Gwadar has potential to become a world class sea-port as the city is located at a place which is not only important for Pakistan but also for the region," Dawn news online quoted Sharif as saying while addressing the ceremony.

Sharif was accompanied by Governor Balochistan Mohammad Khan Achakzai, Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, General (retd) Qadir Baloch, National Security Advisor General (retd) Nasir Janjua alongwith China's ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong.

Sharif pointed out that a 300MW coal fired power plant is being built which will provide electricity to Gwadar and other parts of Balochistan while a desalination plant will provide clean drinking water to the city and adjoining areas.

He said domestic and international flights will be operated from Gwadar international airport linking it to the world.

"It used to be one of the most backward region and city of Pakistan but now it is going to be one of the most prosperous city of the country."

The Premier said he is proud of the Pakistan-China friendship, and that China supported and contributed towards developments in the area.

"I am grateful to China who is a very close friend of Pakistan and is helping in development of Gwadar and other parts of Pakistan.

"We will have electricity of about 10,000 MW by the end of next year. We hope to eliminate load-shedding by 2018 in the country," Sharif said while talking about the power sector projects.

"About 50,000 jobs will be created in Gwadar. First priority will be to facilitate the local residents of Gwadar as it is their first right," he said.

He also paid tribute to the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and administration, operating in Balochistan and appreciated the efforts of NSA Janjua.

--IANS

sm/rn