F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD: As many as three road projects under the umbrella of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be delayed after China has suspended funding till the issuance of new guidelines from the government.
The private news channel reported on Tuesday that China has stopped the funding and waiting for new guidelines from Beijing and still it is not clear whether the new policy will affect the projects or not but the initial reports clearly showed that it will affect the Rs 1 trillion of three road projects which are under construction of National Highway Authority (NHA).
The news report claimed that the China suspend the funding after increasing numbers of news reporting in Pakistan regarding the CPEC projects.
The delay is going to affect the 210-km Dera Ismail Khan-Zhob Road project, 136-km remaining portion of Karakarom Highway (KKH) from Raikot to Thakot and 110-km Khuzdar-Basima Road. The estimated cost of the projects is Rs81 billion, Rs8.5bn and Rs19.76bn respectively.
However, the Chinese side informed counterpart that the funds will be finalized after issuance of new guidelines from Beijing, besides suspending the funds under the prevailing procedure.
The official added that the move has stunned Pakistan as it is happening for the first time.
