PM says personally overseeing CPEC projects

In meetings with investors, Nawaz says peace restored in Karachi

LAHORE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said he was personally overseeing the progress of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects which had the potential to change the lives of millions of people living in the region.

The prime minister expressed these views in a meeting with a delegation, led by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Chairman Warid Telecom International and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Group, Union National Bank and United Bank Limited at his Raiwind residence.



The prime minister said the $34billion project would connect the entire region through construction of a quality road network and railway tracks. He said his administration had made choices to put the country on track to attain durable peace, sustainable economic growth and massive infrastructure development. The Ranger-led Karachi operation was carried out in consultation with all stakeholders which helped a great deal in restoration of peace in the mega city.

Premier Nawaz expressed his satisfaction over the success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb to wipe out terrorists from the country. He said his government had ensured uninterrupted power supply to the industrial sector and vowed to overcome energy shortage in the country by 2018. Also, he said the transparent agreements for LNG would help overcome gas shortage by next year.

The premier recalled that he had made Islamabad-Lahore motorway in the 1990s and at present, 13 more motorways were under construction with an investment of Rs900 billion which would cross Rs1 trillion mark by the year’s end.



Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan extended his heartfelt congratulations on the successful surgery and consequent recovery of the prime minister. Appreciating the leadership role of the prime minister, Sheikh Nahyan said Pakistan had shown tremendous improvement in almost all sectors of the economy over the last three years.

He said Pakistan was fast becoming an ideal destination for foreign investors owing to the transparent, fair and incentives-based investment policies of the government. “Your leadership has enabled Pakistan to witness rapid economic growth and attract foreign investment. You have greatly helped your country in achieving its true image worldwide”, he said.

Other delegates included Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of VimpelCom Ltd, Mobilink, Alfalah Bank and members Board of Directors Abu Dhabi Group.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2016.