STAFF REPORTER
ISLAMABAD Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects are vital for the development of Pakistan as these projects will provide huge opportunities in terms of employment, communication and economic prosperity. The Prime Minister stated this while chairing a briefing on status review of CPEC Energy Projects at Islamabad on Tuesday. The briefing was attended by Minister for Planning Mr. Asad Umar, Minister for Power Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, SAPM for Petroleum Mr. Nadeem Babar, Chairman, CPEC Authority Lt. Gen. (R) Asim Saleem Bajwa, Secretaries of Power, Petroleum & Planning Divisions, Chairperson FBR, Chief Secretary AJ&K and senior officials. Chief Secretary Punjab was also available through video link. Chairman, CPEC Authority Lt. Gen. (R) Asim Saleem Bajwa briefed the meeting in detail about progress on CPEC projects. During the briefing Chairman CPEC Authority apprised that there are a total of 22 projects in the CPEC’s energy portfolio, among which 9 have already been commissioned. Detailed briefing was provided on Energy sector projects including Kohala Hydropower Project, Azad Patan Hydropower Project, Gwadar Power project, Power projects in Thar and Karot Hydropower Project. Prime Minister stated that CPEC projects are vital for the development of Pakistan and these projects will provide huge opportunities in terms of employment, communication and economic prosperity. The Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan enjoys extreme good-will with China that has been proven time and again during emergent situations. Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that fast-pace implementation is in the interest of the country. He emphasized that timely decisions are required so that cost-escalation on these projects are avoided.
