China-Pakistan corridor: PM Nawaz wants better security for Chinese workers

Railways ministry proposes inclusion of Sukkur railway station in corridor"China-Pakistan corridor

ISLAMABAD: With Pakistan stepping up construction of projects outlined in the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday directed the interior ministry to beef up security for Chinese workers in the country.

In back-to-back meetings at the PM House on Monday to review progress of CPEC projects, Nawaz warned that slackness in providing security to Chinese workers would not be tolerated.

According to a statement from the PM House, the premier was briefed on the progress of various development projects under the umbrella of CPEC from the Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and Minister for Railways Saad Rafique.

Nawaz, who is personally monitoring progress of projects under the CPEC, has chaired three meetings in as many days about the corridor. According to officials in the PM House, the government is trying to put together a comprehensive report on the CPEC projects to present to a high-powered Chinese delegation which is scheduled to visit Pakistan from November 10.

Noting how the CPEC would prove to be a game changer for the region, Nawaz directed all projects to be completed within the stipulated time.

Sukkur railway station to be included in CPEC

Rafique, while briefing the premier on CPEC projects, proposed that the Sukkur railway station should be included in the CPEC.

Further, the minister presented plans for upgrading facilities at the Narowal railway station, adding that the project will be completed within 18 months. Rafique added that local architectural heritage would be reflected in the upgraded buildings.

Briefing the prime minister about utilising the commercial potential of railway lands, commercial establishments such as plazas, shopping malls, marquees, hotels, cinemas and food streets will be built to generate additional income for Railways.

Nawaz directed the railways ministry to submit a construction and financial plan to build the Islamabad-Muzaffarabad railway link as a single project, rather than two, within the shortest possible time.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2015.