PM lauds ministers for removing impediments in SDF projects

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated his cabinet members on Thursday for removing the impediments in the development projects of the Saudi Development Fund (SDF) within 48 hours.

Chairing a review meeting to discuss the SDF projects, the prime minister said that unnecessary delay in the SDF funds had caused huge losses to the country, which necessitated swift pace and dedication to overcome the deficiency.

The meeting was also attended by an SDF delegation, led by its Asia Director Dr Saud A Alshammari. The meeting was informed that the all departments concerned had fulfilled the requirements to remove obstacles in the projects.

The meeting was also informed that formalities regarding Mohmand Dam Project, Jagran IV project, Shonter Hydropower Project and Gravity Flow Water Mansehra Project were completed.

The participants also reviewed the issues pertaining to Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project, Golan Gol Hydropower Project; development of infrastructure in Malakand Region and equipment to Hayaseri Hospital.

The Saudi delegation showed interest in investing in solar energy sector and fund the Diamer Bhasha Dam. The prime minister said that Saudi Arabia had assisted Pakistan in overcoming its economic issues.

Railway track

A separate meeting, chaired by the prime minister, was informed that the Pakistan Railway would complete the 105 kilometres long rail track by March 23, 2023, to facilitate the transportation of Thar coal to power and cement plants.

The meeting was also informed that the new rail track from Chhor to Islamkot would cost of Rs58 billion, which would be equally borne by the federal and Sindh governments.

The prime minister constituted a committee under Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, with a mandate to assess the availability of coal from Thar Coal Mines and its demand in the local market.

Federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Khurram Dastgir, Ahsan Iqbal, Saad Rafiq, Sindh Chief Minister Shah, Sindh Energy Minister Imtiaz Sheikh and relevant senior officers attended the meeting.