PM performs groundbreaking, inauguration of CPEC projects in Gilgit-Baltistan

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project will put the country on the path of sustainable development. He was addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of Pakistan-China Optical Fiber Cable project in Gilgit on Thursday. This project is a part of the CPEC and will be completed in two years at a cost of Rs 44 million.

He said the mega project will not only bring economic benefits to the people, but also help address the issue of extremism by creating job opportunities for the youth.

Nawaz Sharif said the federal government is determined to steer the country out of all the challenges and that it has achieved a significant success in this regard.

He said Pakistan-China Optical Fiber cable project will be a milestone in the development of IT and telecom services.

The prime minister said the project will bring 3G and 4G services to Gilgit Baltistan. He said Gilgit-Baltistan will soon emerge as the most developed area with the launching projects like the Optical Fiber one.

He said a network of roads is being developed in Balochistan which will link the province with the rest of the country.

The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to expand the network of Pakistan-China Optical fiber cable project to Gwadar and other areas of the country.

The premier announced the establishment of a technical training institute in the region. “We will initially set aside Rs 100 million for this project,” he said.

Nawaz stressed the need for preparedness for a newer knowledge-based economy. “These development projects will help reduce extremism,” he said, pointing towards a lack of employment as a driver of militancy.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also inaugurated Gilgit-Baltistan CPEC patrolling police headquarters in Gilgit.

The patrolling force comprising three hundred personnel will help ensure safe and smooth flow of traffic on the 439-kilometre chunk of the CPEC project in Gilgit.

China has gifted twenty-five vehicles for the patrolling police.

The prime minister administered oath to the newly elected members of Gilgit-Baltistan Council at a ceremony in Gilgit on Thursday.

The ceremony was attended among others by Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Barjees Tahir, Gilgit Baltistan Governor Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan and Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman.

Later, addressing a ceremony after administering oath to the newly elected members of Gilgit-Baltitan Council, the prime minister said construction work on Diamer-Basha Dam will soon be started to meet the growing energy requirements of the country.

He said the federal government has approved Rs 105 billion for the acquisition of land for the dam.

Nawaz Sharif said work on Dasu Dam will also be started very soon. He said that a hydel project will also be installed at Attabad lake which will help produce 27 megawatts of electricity.

The prime minister said he desires manifold increase in the development budget of Gilgit-Baltistan in order to bring it at par with other areas of the country.

Earlier on his arrival at the Gilgit Airport, the prime minister was received by Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Governor Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan and members of the GB Legislative Assembly and Council.