PM inaugurates key part of CPEC western corridor in Turbat

Premier says uplift of the province is an obligation on federal government

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said the development of Balochistan means a new Pakistan is in the making.

"Building up of a new Balochistan means that a new Pakistan is being built," the premier said while addressing a gathering in Turbat in connection with the inauguration of Sorab-Hoshab Highway N-85 on Wednesday.

The highway will be a part of the western route and connect northern and southern communication routes.

Nawaz further said that the development of the province is not a favour but an obligation on the federal government, adding that terrorism was witnessing its last days in the country.



Pakistan, the premier added, was witnessing growth and uplift in every nook and corner, saying China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will prove to be a game-changer for the region.

The premier went on to add that Pakistan’s foes weren’t happy with CPEC project while its friends had felicitated its initiation.

Nawaz also said that he will ask Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to start Boeing flights from Karachi to Turbat.

The project was completed by Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) at a cost of approximately Rs22billion. It comprises of a total of 16 bridges and 1,502 culverts. It will link Gwadar Port with the National Highway network near Surab, Quetta and other parts of the country.

The road will also provide shortest link to Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries with Gwadar Port and also resulted in the completion of the vital North-South road. The project completed is termed an important part of the western corridor of CPEC.



Meanwhile, in an apparent reference to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, Nawaz said some people think they can assume power by creating an uncertainty in the country. The nation is able to determine the ones working for the development of the country as well as those playing with their emotions, he remarked.

Development, the premier reiterated, is the only way to take this country forward and the incumbent government has made it clear that the only way to rule is through service to the masses.

“Pakistan has to develop both in terms of material and spirit as this country has a history of ethical traditions and respect for each other,” Nawaz said before adding, “Masses will decide Pakistan’s fate in 2018 which is going to be a better year for the country.”