- PM opens Azakhel Dry Port in Nowshera
- Govt allocated Rs190 bln for ‘Ehsaas’ programme to help uplift the status of lowest strata of the society
NOWSHERA, January 10: Prime Minister Imran Khan has inaugurated a newly-constructed Azakhel Dry Port in Nowshera, a district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with an aim to boost the economic activities and facilitate the industrialisation across the country.
“Azakhel Dry Port will help increase trade that would lead to job creation and benefitting the local population,” he said while addressing the inauguration ceremony on Friday.
The biggest challenge for our government is to make Pakistan a welfare society to elevate weaker segments of society, the premier added. He also said that this year we will build Pakistan a Great country.
The dry port which is located 8 kilometres from the main Nowshera city on main GT Road has been constructed at a cost of Rs510 million, according to the official figure.
Taking a jibe at his opponents, PM Imran said over the period of 70 years no heed was paid to the development of the railways “which is the major medium of travel for common man across the world”.
“The railway line decreased in length from the one inherited from British colonial rule due to rampant corruption and nepotism during the past government tenures,” he added.
The prime minister also said ML-1, a multibillion-dollar project under CPEC, will revolutionise the railways in the country.
ML-1 – a strategically important project is expected to be executed at a cost of $8.2 billion in five years.
Giving an example of one of the strongest economies, he said: “China leads the world in railways technology and Pakistan will benefit from its experience.”
He added that after the completion of ML-1, the commute time from Peshawar to Karachi will take only 8 hours.
Highlighting the PTI government’s vision of making the country a welfare state, Premier Imran said his government has allocated Rs190 billion for ‘Ehsaas’ programme to help uplift the status of lowest strata of the society.
Under the Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme 5 million houses are being constructed for the people of middle and lower income backgrounds, PM Imran said, adding that some 40 industries are allied with construction sector which will ultimately create ample job opportunities for the unemployed.
He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment for zero tolerance against corruption and urged the railways staff to work with full dedication and sincerity.
