GILGIT, May 19: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday performed the groundbreaking of the Pakistan-China Optical Fibre Cable project which is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC.
The $44 million, 820-kilometre-long cable project stretching from Rawalpindi to Khunjerab will be completed by the Special Communication Organization in two years. Upon completion, the project, which will provide an alternate telecommunication route between Pakistan and China, will also bring 3G and 4G connectivity to the region, Nawaz said.
Nawaz also inaugurated the Gilgit-Baltistan CPEC patrolling police headquarters in Gilgit.
The patrolling force comprising 300 personnel will help regulate traffic along a 439km chunk of the CPEC in the area. China has provided 25 vehicles for the patrolling force.
The premier announced the establishment of a technical training institute in the region. “We will initially set aside Rs100 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 in as a driver of militancy.
Earlier addressing a ceremony after administering oath to newly elected members of Gilgit-Baltitan Council in Gilgit Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said construction work on Diamer Basha Dam will soon be started in order to meet the growing energy requirements of the country.
He said the federal government had approved one hundred and five billion rupees for the acquisition of land for the dam. He appreciated the authorities concerned for completing the process in a transparent manner and saving eleven billion rupees from the funds allocated for the land acquisition.
Nawaz Sharif said work on Dasu is also being started very soon. He said that a hydel project will also be installed at Attabad lake which will help produce twenty seven megawatt of electricity.
The Prime Minister said that power outages will be eliminated by 2018.
Referring to China Pakistan Economic Corridor project, the Prime Minister said that it will be prove to be game changer and bring revolution in the entire region. He said implementation of the project has been fast tracked and that he is personally monitoring its progress.
He said the corridor project will specifically benefit Gilgit-Baltistan. It is a project of prosperity not only for Pakistan but also the neighboring countries including Central Asian States.
Nawaz Sharif said he believes in equal development of all areas of the country. He 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.-Sabah
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