PM orders early completion of Karachi uplift projects

Imran says he is keen to inaugurate projects KTP for benefit of Karachiites

KARACHI:

Prime Minister Imran Khan directed the officials on Tuesday to ensure completion of all projects under the Karachi Transformation Plan (KTP) within the timelines, stating that he was keen to inaugurate the projects as soon as possible for the benefit of the residents of the metropolis.

Imran, during a visit to the provincial capital, chaired a meeting to review the progress of ongoing development projects under the KTP. He also received briefings on the status of work on the projects, including restoration of drains, provision of potable water and transport projects, etc.

The meeting was attended by Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, Planning Minister Asad Umar, Railways Minister Azam Swati, Maritime Affairs Minister Syed Ali Zaidi, Defence Production Minister Zubaida Jalal and senior government officials.

Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister stressed that the early completion of federal government projects in Karachi and early launching of the newly announced schemes were among government’s key priorities.

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During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on the restoration of three major drains – Mehmoodabad, Gujar and Orangi and two rivers of Malir and Lyari, including construction of roads astride nullah’s, laying of sewerage system and relocation of utilities.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) chairman informed the meeting that survey of all the nullahs was completed and anti-encroachment drive was in full swing. He also said that all the remaining civil works would be completed by June 2022.

The prime minister was also briefed on the Green Line and Orange Line Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) projects. The meeting was informed that the Green Line operations would commence by October this year, as 80 busses would arrive at the Karachi port from China by mid-September.

The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) chairman briefed the prime minister on K-IV project for supply of water to Karachi. He said that the Karachi was currently drawing 1,200 cusecs (665 MGD) water including 100 MGD from Hub dam.

The prime minister was then briefed on the Keamari-Pipri railway Freight Corridor project and the modern Karachi Circular Railway (KCR). The meeting was informed that the Freight Corridor project was expected to be floated in the market in October 2021.

In tweet after the meeting, Planning Minister Asad Umar said the Green Line BRT service in Karachi would become operational in October. He added that stormwater drains, sewage, and roads project would be completed this fiscal year.

Beach tourism

During the visit, Prime Minister Imran also travelled to the Sonmiani beach in the Lasbela district of Balochistan and planted a sapling there as part of the government’s monsoon tree-plantation campaign, and inspected the mangrove forest.

Addressing a gathering of the locals, the prime minister observed that every area had some different characteristics, which could be developed into tourist spots. He added that the country had the potential to attract Muslim population from across the world.

Citing reasons for making the country an attractive destination for the Muslims, Imran said that due to Islamophobia across the globe, the Muslims were reluctant to go to the Western or European countries along with their families for tourism.

“The hilly or mountainous areas were developed by the British during their rule, but these areas are degrading slowly,” he said, citing an example of Murree, which had been seen drastic changes because of huge construction.

“For the first time, the government is developing new hilly terrains and exploring other scenic spots to attract maximum tourists,” he said. He said that he saw the area from above during his arrival by helicopter, adding that it could be developed into a tourist spot.

He underlined the need of valuing this gift of the nature with proper development and planning. “Once, these areas are developed into tourism spots, they will help change lives of the local people, create jobs with better education and health facilities.”

Imran noted that Balochistan lagged behind in terms of progress and development due to lack of interest by the former governments. “The previous rulers preferred to reside in London without taking pains to visit these neglected areas,” he said.

“The Baloch leaders also did not pay attention to the province. [But] For the first time in the country’s history, the [current] federal government is spending a huge amount of Rs1,000 billion for the development of Balochistan.”

He reiterated the government’s resolve to provide all the basic facilities to the residence of the province. The prime minister further noted that the province was rich with massive mineral resources and if proper planning was done, it would result in huge revenues for the province.

Karachi shipyard

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran inaugurated the Ship Lift and Transfer System at the Karachi Shipyard. The ship lift will work as a large elevator platform to raise the ship out of water for dry-docking ashore and lowering it back into water after completion of work.

Speaking on the occasion, Imran said the installation of the system was an effective use of technology to earn foreign exchange. He paid tribute to the Pakistan Navy for the launch of the system, which he said, would prove fruitful in generating economic activity.

Imran said that the government was focusing on promotion of exports, encourage overseas Pakistanis to increase remittances and attract foreign investment. “Efforts are afoot to check money-laundering to stop loss to the national exchequer.”