Pakistan

12 sites proposed for special economic zones in Balochistan, K-P

PM House issues report in the wake of criticism from political parties in K-P and Balochistan

Abdul Manan January 12, 2016

PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: The Board of Investment on Tuesday submitted a report, highlighting 12 potential sites for special economic zones (SEZs) along the western route of multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

The report, issued by the PM House, came after mounting criticism from various political parties, including the government of K-P and Balochistan, who felt that their provinces were deprived of SEZ and demanded sites to be marked.

K-P and the CPEC

Earlier, K-P Chief Minister Pervez Khattak reportedly said, “It is our due right to get the corridor with all its components otherwise we don’t need the road that was inaugurated by the prime minister.”

Moreover, all political parties in Balochistan, including Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal, also demanded SEZ along with the western route in the province.

Fighting for western corridor: K-P parties reaffirm stance on CPEC

The report revealed that of a total of 48 SEZs which are likely to be established near the CPEC, 12 have been proposed for the western route -- seven in K-P and five in Balochistan.

COMMENTS (19)

M.A.HASSAN | 8 years ago | Reply Thanks to the struggle that both the smaller provinces have got their share in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The federal Government have agreed to establish 7 SEZs in KPK and 5 in Baluchistan (total 12 SEZs) and the names of the SITES have also been notified as per the proposals of the Provincial Governments. But what about the other SEZs Sitees. Keep in mind to consider the poor and voiceless people of Attock .They have been left mercilessly. Which is on CPEC and it is the right to be given the share in the CPEC package, because we sit at the gateway to China. We are ignored in almost every fortunes why it is not considering the area with full of petroleum and gases which is very necessary and important factor.

arman | 8 years ago | Reply good step for the economy and strong sign for fedration

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Amanullah Khan | 8 years ago | Reply Thanks to the struggle that both the smaller provinces have got their share in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The federal Government have agreed to establish 7 SEZs in KPK and 5 in Baluchistan (total 12 SEZs) and the names of the SITES have also been notified as per the proposals of the Provincial Governments.The poor and voiceless people of GB or Gilchistan have been left mercilessly. This is the difference of power of a constitutional province and an area that is not declared as a province in almost 7 decades on the demands of selfish Kashmiri leaders and their agents in the KANA Ministry. The power of unity and determination compelled the PMLN Government to bow down and accept the genuine demands of the people. We the people of Gilchistan have the first right to be given the share in the CPEC package, because we sit at the gateway to China. We are ignored in almost every fortunes; reason being that we are divided by the enemies of GB and smugglers, drug pushers and the arms sellers on the basis of sectarian rife, Time is mature and we must get united to achieve our rights.

Thunder | 8 years ago | Reply Pakistan is getting this project because of Baluchistan's Gawader port. Punjab and Sindh is being developed for the last 70 years while totally ignoring KP and Baluchistan. This money should entirely be invested in Baluchistan and the victim of the Establishment adventurism KP and FATA.

Whatacountry | 8 years ago | Reply I am depressed as well as amazed at the gullibility of our people. Out of 48 SEZs only 12 for Baluchistan and KPK! What about the other 36 SEZs? Baluchistan is the largest Province and least developed is getting only 5 SEZs! You mean to say Sindh and Punjab will get 36 SEZs? This is totally unjustified and unacceptable.

K ALAM | 8 years ago | Reply Where are the details of other regions like Punjab; Sindh; and KPK.

Hassan | 8 years ago | Reply The industrial zones in KP are being developed by the provincial government from their own resources and these were planned prior to the CPEC, All Nawaz Sharif is doing is claiming it as his own and a part of CPEC which is a big fat white lie

Thunder | 8 years ago | Reply Anather lie from Nawaz government.

imme | 8 years ago | Reply No mention of GB for any proposed units . n thanx CM GB for been the puppet of islamabad

ishrat salim | 8 years ago | Reply @Aftab: No! only after the govt came under immense pressure from all opposition parties in Baluchistan & KPK. Even now details of the agreement on CPEC has not been shared with the Parliament & SBP.

Kamran Ahmad Kami | 8 years ago | Reply Where is punjab and sindh ?

Aftab | 8 years ago | Reply Current government is fair and clear.

Gramscian | 8 years ago | Reply Disclose the agreement to parliament for everyone to see and discuss.

Humza | 8 years ago | Reply @Nabeell: If you think PTI or for that matter any provincial government is able to bring about change to a Chinese investment, then you don't understand CPEC. This is a Chinese investment to help transport goods.Yes the Chinese investors want the shortest route but they also want the safest route to protect goods.

Kaleem | 8 years ago | Reply @Nabeell: If PTI could, they would have sought credit for entire CPEC. First they delayed signing pacts, now they are raising unnecessary hue and cry.

Nabeell | 8 years ago | Reply Well Done PTI, finally someone stood for rights of people

SAK | 8 years ago | Reply This is not Favorable Approach from the Government to the People of Gilgit Baltistan. Major Area of the route is in Gilgit Baltistan and No Industrial City There. All the Benefit to KPK and Baluchistan ....... This is not favorable .....

Gullu butt | 8 years ago | Reply Good that PMLN made it transparent. Now KPK and Baluchistan reservations will be over and they will join hands with Fed Gov to move forward.

Ex PTI | 8 years ago | Reply Very good step. Now lets get moving and take this nation to the next level of development and happiness. Allah Bless Pakistan. Amin.

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