ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, recently announced the government’s focus on accelerating the completion of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and Main-Line 1 (ML-1) projects.
During a meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan and members of the business community, Minister Iqbal emphasized the significance of these projects for the development of the country and their impact on the infrastructure in Karachi.
As per the details, both Chinese and Pakistani attendees agreed to work together to ensure these projects are completed without further delay.
The meeting also addressed ongoing developments in various areas, including the Allama Iqbal Industrial City, Rashakai Special Economic Zone, Gwadar Port Authority, and Gwadar University.
Representatives from the Balochistan government briefed the participants on various initiatives, such as water supply schemes, a precision training complex, electricity supply improvements, maintenance dredging, and the installation of 3,000 solar systems in Gwadar.
The minister stressed the importance of prompt completion of development work in Gwadar as it will generate job opportunities in the region.
It’s worth mentioning that the Asian Development Bank recently offered to develop the 10 billion USD ML-1 project, but despite delays and cost escalation, Pakistan has chosen to continue its partnership with China as the development partner.
The ML-1 project, once completed, will enhance the movement of freight from Gwadar, Karachi to Peshawar under the China-Pakistan-Economic-Corridor project.
