F.P. Report
PESHAWAR: The Chairman CPEC Authority Lt. General (Rtd) Asim Saleem Bajwa Tuesday met the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and discussed provincial developmental projects included in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Chief Minister, at the meeting held here at Chief Minister’s Secretariat, stated that provincial government is undertaking efforts for the financial self sustainability of the province, for which numerous measures have been undertaken to attract investors, promote industrialization and make the province a tourist hub.
The Chief Minister clarified that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is destined to become a center for regional trade and commerce activities adding the completion of Peshawar to D.I.Khan Expressway, Swat Motorway Phase II and Chakdara to Gilgit via Shandoor route will not only help in strengthening communication networks in the province but will also provide greater employment opportunities to the locals. He further stated that Shandoor route will also be established as an alternate CPEC route.
He stated that wheeling of electricity to local industries will attract investors by providing them with cheap electricity thereby increasing the revenue generation of the province.
He clarified that the inclusion of Chashma Right Bank Lift Canal Project in CPEC is a landmark achievement of the incumbent provincial government which will help in poverty alleviation of the southern districts of the province. Similarly, completion of Gomal Zam Dam will eradicate poverty pockets by boosting agriculture productivity in the southern region.
Mahmood Khan reiterated that through provision of conducive environment to investors and industries, the provincial government will also be able to exploit and reap benefits from the tremendous Mines & Minerals potential in the province, especially in the Newly Merged Tribal Districts.
Chairman CPEC Authority Asim Saleem Bajwa assured all out support to the provincial government projects included in CPEC stating that completion of these projects will not only enhance trade & commerce in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but will also prove to be a major contributor for the economic stability of Pakistan.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also presented souvenir to the Chairman CPEC Authority. The meeting was also attended by Principal Secretary to CM Shahab Ali Shah, Provincial Coordinator CPEC Authority and other high ranking officials.
