Not finishing on time

Much to the chagrin of the Planning Commission, the Chinese sponsors and the people of Pakistan, the former two entities have been unable to meet deadlines for completing feasibility studies to upgrade Pakistan’s nearly 1,900-kilometre-long rail lines stretching from Karachi to Peshawar. It is highly unprofessional of the provincial and federal governments to have been unable to complete the necessary research within the allotted time. They have firmed up our reputation as a country where entities habitually fail to make solid commitments and deliver on time, be it the goods or services industry. Considering that this is a CPEC project valued at $8.2 billion with Chinese financiers doling out funds for 85 per cent of the cost, our officials’ incompetence is embarrassing and must be one of the many tests of patience the Chinese have had to experience in working with our leaders.

Although the PC-1 for the Main Line I project was approved in June 2016 with the work to be completed between 2016 and 2020, the endeavour is well on its way to being two years behind schedule as we approach 2018. The lack of a preliminary design provides no hope that the major project which would serve millions of Pakistanis in travel will be completed by 2020. With the delay, there is also the risk that project costs might increase, hence disturbing the planning.

It is time for our authorities to clean up their act and work professionally for the benefit of the people of Pakistan, a goal they have consistently neglected for decades. The CPEC projects are a major break for the country to rise out of its shoddy circumstances and finally start earning some international respect. As such, government departments must work diligently to meet deadlines and initiate projects like the ML-1.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23^rd, 2017.

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