Boosting trade: Pak-China economic corridor plan gets premier’s go-ahead

Nawaz briefed on Karachi-Lahore motorway project.

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan-China economic corridor plan was approved by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday.

Terming the scheme a ‘step towards boosting economic activities in the region’ the premier stated that the plan upon its implementation would connect Pakistan with China and the Central Asian countries.

The prime minister approved the proposed alignment of Pak-China Trade Corridor from Kashgar to Khunjrab and Gwadar, with the directions to further evaluate the proposal in terms of time and cost efficiency.

Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was also briefed over the alignment of the Economic Corridor starting from Khujrab Pass and ending at Gwadar and the project of Lahore- Karachi Motorway.

The meeting also discussed alternative and shorter routes along the Karakoram Highway, connecting Chilas with Mansehra through Babusar Top. He directed that this route should be developed on a high priority basis and a tunnel should also be constructed across the Babusar Top making it accessible throughout the year.

He further directed that this route should be connected with Muzaffarabad through a road from Balakot and Garhi Habibullah. The distances must be reduced with connecting bridges and tunnels, using latest technologies and equipment.

Nawaz asked officials concerned to prepare a feasibility report for the road connecting Havelian and Islamabad to provide a shorter route for commuters travelling from Gilgit, Mansehra and Abottabad.

The meeting also approved construction of a road linking Muzafarabad and Mirpur.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17^th, 2013.