Pak PM opens string of projects for Balochistan

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated a string of development projects for Balochistan, including a dam, Gwadar Free Zone, Business Complex and a University — all aimed at mainstreaming the country’s remotest areas.

The Pakistan PM was accompanied by Balochistan governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai and chief minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri and China’s ambassador to Pakistan, Sun Weidong.

Mr Sharif said that development projects worth billions of rupees were being implemented in Balochistan to guarantee progress of the province and will be completed in the next two to three years.

He added he was very happy to see that Gwadar is transforming into an international city.

He added Gwadar had the potential to become a “world-class sea port”, and is not only important for Pakistan, but also for the region and the world as well.

“It is nerve centre of China Pakistan Economic Corridor.”

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

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

He said Pakistan and China are implementing joint venture in infrastructure, power and railways, through which traffic from Gwadar will go to China and vice versa.

He said over 10,000 MW of electricity will be added to the national grid by the end of 2017 or in the beginning of 2018.