CPEC projects in Gwadar in advanced stage
ISLAMABAD – With 400 industries, the Allama Iqbal Special Economic Zone, Faisalabad, is all set to attract local and foreign investors that will provide direct employment to 250,000 people.
An official at the China-Pakistan Economic Zone (CPEC) Authority has informed Pakistan Today that Allama Iqbal Special Economic Zone and Rashakai Special Economic Zone would take the CPEC to the next stage.
The official said the construction work is in full swing at the Allama Iqbal Industrial City (AIIC), a preferential special economic zone that will attract foreign investors and explore potential markets in different countries.
The government has directed the trade authorities of Pakistani missions in different countries to increase the volume of Pakistan’s exports through Pakistan.
“These industrial projects will prove to be game changers for Pakistan’s economy. Allama Iqbal Industrial City is being completed on priority basis,” the official said, adding that around 2,000 domestic and foreign investors have expressed keen interest in investing in the Rashkai Special Economic Zone.
“Construction work is in advanced stage in the Rashakai Special Economic Zone. This zone will be a milestone for the promotion of rapid industrialisation. This zone will cover one thousand acres of land,” the official said.
The official said the federal government is dividing the zone into three phases.
“The government will provide 210 MW of electricity in three phases. The government has earmarked Rs 1203 million for gas for this zone. It will also cover more than 400 industries, including garments and textile products, home appliances, general commercial goods, electronics and electrical appliances, automobiles and mechanical equipment,” the official added.
The official said there are several pharmaceutical companies in Nowshera, Mardan and Peshawar.
“The economic zone will include thousands of women who travel daily between their homes and workplaces. The RSA Special Economic Zone is actually a means of empowering local women,” the official added.
The official said the construction work is being done in three phases – 247 acres in the first phase, 355 acres in the second phase and 399 acres in the third phase.
“The zone will provide employment to 80% of the local population. The Rashakai Special Economic Zone is connected to all the provinces of Pakistan through airports, dry ports, railway stations, motorways and highways. The zone is located at the confluence of the five major districts of KP, Nowshera, Mardan and Swabi, Charsadda and Peshawar. The adjoining districts have fertile land, suitable for growing a variety of cash crops and vegetables,” he added.
He said the second phase of CPEC is related to public welfare in which dozens of projects are being worked on. “The next phase will see progress in four key areas, the first of which is industry, while the other areas include agriculture, social and economic development and Gwadar New City, CPEC Authority officials said.
The official said major progress is being made in the energy sector under C-Pac. Out of 22 approved energy projects, nine projects have been completed. According to the officials, when all the power projects under CPEC are completed, 17000 MW of electricity will be generated. “Pakistan will soon be self-sufficient in energy. These projects include the 1,320-megawatt coal-fired Sahiwal, Port Qasim and China Hub projects.
The 660-watt Engro Thar and 400-megawatt Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park projects have also been completed. Eight more 4,470-megawatt projects have entered the final stages of completion, besides five projects including Kohala, Thar and Azad Pattan while are in the pipeline. With the completion of the above projects, electricity will be exported including meeting the needs of the country. Special attention has been paid to energy projects in the CPEC projects,” the official added.
The official said the PTI government has widened the scope of CPEC so that all individuals and sectors can benefit from the project.
Gwadar Port and other projects
The official said Gwadar Port is now operational while the East Bay Expressway, which connects Gwadar with the Makran Coastal Highway, has been completed. The official said that a network of about 1100 kms of roads has been laid across the country under the CPEC, with 850 kms of roads under construction so far.
“The construction work on the main section of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor from Dera Ismail Khan to Dera Ismail Khan has entered its final stage and so far NLC has completed the renovation work ensuring high quality of work,” the official said.
He said the total length of the four-lane western corridor is 285 km, which is divided into five different packages.
“Completion of work on Package One is expected first. The total length of Package One is 55 km which starts from York near Dera Ismail Khan and ends at Rahmani Khel. NLC has completed the infrastructure while maintaining international standards of construction work. Has completed all the work including road construction, two interchanges at York and Abdul Khel sites, six underpasses, four bridges, residential facilities and other construction works including toll plazas,” the official said.
He said as the motorway is being constructed on sandy and barren land, more than 1.5 lakh trees have been planted on both sides of the road keeping in view the shortage of trees. These trees have been planted under the ongoing “Green Pakistan” tree planting campaign at the national level. 55 will also be attached to the site of Dera Ismail Khan. The construction of the motorway will usher in a new era of social and economic activity in the region.
