OFC project Phase II set to transform Pakistan as a Digital Gateway of regional connectivity

ISLAMABAD – The Executive Committee of the National Econom­ic Council (ECNEC) has approved Rs 37.9 billion worth Pak-China Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) Project Phase II.

According to a report by Gwadar Pro, the project will pave the way for establishment of Cross-Border OFC net­work (Khunjerab-Karachi) along China Pakistan Econom­ic Corridor (CPEC) routes.

The project will provide alternate path for internation­al connectivity through Northern Border of Pakistan with China and would transform Pakistan as a Digital Gateway of regional connectivity. The COVID-19 response and oth­er Natural Calamities Control Program was approved by the ECNEC at the cost of Rs 70 billion as federal share.

The project includes National Health upgradation pro­gram, National program for Water and Sanitation and Hy­giene (WASH), COVID-19 interventions for less developed areas.

The ECNEC also approved the Project for “Dualization and Improvement of Old Bannu Road” at the total cost of Rs 17,230 million from federal Public Sector Develop­ment Programme (2020-21).

The project envisages dualization of existing 02-lane old Bannu road measuring 83 km in length from Gaan­di Chowk to Sarai Naurang (8km) and Domail to Krapa on N-55 (75-kilometre) to 4 lanes, with 7.3 metres wide car­riageway on either side. The scope of work also includes extension of existing culverts & bridges, construction of retaining walls along with drainage / erosion works and allied facilities. NHA shall execute the project.

ECNEC considered and approved a summary regard­ing construction of Gwadar-Ratodero Road Project (M-8) sponsored by the Ministry of Communication and execut­ed by National Highway Authority (NHA) at a rationalized cost of Rs 38,026.28 million.

It also approved the project in view of its strategic im­portance as it will facilitate connectivity for China-Pa­kistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects through im­proved road linkages. A summary was presented before ECNEC regarding provision of Advanced Skills Develop­ment through International Scholarship Phase-1 for Mas­ter and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs to be exe­cuted by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

Similarly, a project titled ‘Solid Waste Emergency and Efficiency Project (SWEEP)’ was presented before the Committee sponsored by the Local government, Housing and Town Planning Department, Government of Sindh with total cost of Rs 16,800 million including Internation­al Bank for Reconstruction and Development-World Bank loan of Rs 16,000 million.