Key opposition leader Nawaz Sharif on Monday claimed that the development and progress of Gwadar port was the centrepiece of his Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz’s manifesto. He also pointed out that the project -- the brainchild of the PML-N’s last government – would be completed within his party’s next tenure in government.
Nawaz told the Gwadar Conference at the PML-N Secretariat that as the people of Balochistan have the first and foremost right over the port they should be allowed to reap all or most of its benefits.
He said that like Sindh, he will also pay special attention to the welfare of the Baloch.
While highlighting the geographic and economic importance of Gwadar, Nawaz claimed credit for devising plans to construct Gwadar port in 1992 and develop the region, saying that the construction of the coastal highway linking it to Karachi was an integral part of that project.
Nawaz said that the highway, which was built at a cost of Rs21 billion, was now a national asset worth Rs220 billion, on which the government was now thinking of issuing bonds. However, he stressed that instead of utilising the amount raised against the bonds to meet the budget deficit, the money should be spent on constructing new motorways.
Taking a jibe at the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party, Nawaz expressed his concerns that during the present government’s era, precious assets like motorways were being damaged through neglect. He also hit out at the National Highway Authority, claiming that it had no other task, except to loot and plunder the economy, thus the network of motorways was in the dilapidated condition today.
The PML-N chief added that he wanted to grant Gwadar a Hong Kong-like status of international acclaim, with similar laws and economic system in place to enable it to play an efficient role in the development of not only Balochistan, but the whole country. Sharif said that Balochistan was brimming with oil, gas and other natural resources, thus Gwadar’s natural deep-sea port could play a vital role in exporting these resources to the rest of the world to economically and socially benefit the whole country.
Europe swing
Amid the ongoing healthcare crisis in Punjab, the PML-N president is set to depart for Europe for two weeks, where he will address various events organised by overseas Pakistanis affiliated with the PML-N. His trip will take him to countries like Germany, which will host a fund-raising event for the party’s election campaign in Frankfurt in the first week of July.
On his return, Nawaz will embark on a trip to Saudi Arabia and the UAE for similar purposes.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 3rd, 2012.
COMMENTS (14)
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@A J Khan. I'm pretty sure ur an Indian. Just in case ur a pakistani than idiot only people of Punjab pay electricity bills. In Punjab line losses are just 9%. In rest of Pakistan line losses are at an astounding level which is the reason why the current circular debt crises came into existence. In fact in Khyber Pukhtunkwa, Balochistan and interior Sindh recovery of electricity bills is almost nil. In fact the whole Pakistan is afloat solely on shoulders of people of Punjab and Karachi because 92% of tax revenue is generated from these regions.
every body talking GWADAR but not about people who are spending there life with out water shame
Makran has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and Gawader, Pasni and Jewani are jewels of Makran (Balochistan). Only visionary leader of Mian Sahib's calibre can plan and execute future projects for Pakistan. Rest are all dwarfs.
@Patriot: Malik Riaz is only funding PTI these days.
Is it open for Business. Yea - Priority to get own steel mill made there.
Nawaz Sharif going abroad, with a bowl in his hand, to raise funds for upcoming election campaign. What a noble cause! Why go abroad, Malik Riaz is there to help you.
If wishes were horses, Pakistan would have been the super power.
So Shareef will go out to collect money to amass his wealth. I remember he was given good donation by poor public of Pakistan to relieve country from foreign debt but the money is still unaccounted for. I hope people awake before it get too late.
Nawaz does deserve credit for pushing the Gwader Port project. The last dictatorship and the present government have not fulfilled its promise for jobs and usage.
Selling Gawadar to foreigners is his first agenda like he did with Aimal Kansi. What more we can expect from him.
Mr. Sharif for your info. Gawadr is part of Pakistan and you can go their without getting any visa. You travel to london and UAE frequently.........but Balochistan seems to be off limits to you.