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PM launches Plan-D of development by initiating renovation of M-2
Nawaz says word "D" can mean either development or destruction, however he believes in developmentAPP
BALKASAR - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday launched his own version of Plan D - Development by laying foundation stone for the renovation of Islamabad-Lahore M-2 Motorway section.
“No one would be allowed to create any hurdle in the way of progress and development of Pakistan,” he said as he unveiled his plan of construction of roads, infrastructure and development works to end power load shedding. “The people of Pakistan have already rejected those who are trying to push Pakistan over the edge,” he said while addressing a large gathering here at the Balkasar Interchange. The prime minister said that the word "D" can mean either development or destruction, however he believes in development unlike those who are bent upon “destruction".
He said that hurdles against his government were nothing new and those who hold protests and demonstrations against him, regularly travel on the same road they use to criticise. He said that lots of hue and cry was raised when work on Lahore-Islamabad Motorway was initiated. However, the whole project was completed with honesty, transparently and with devotion. Despite the efforts of opponents, no one could find even a shred of evidence against the project.
He said that when his party goes back to the polls in 2018, they would proudly carry with them fulfilled promises of end of loadshedding, lowering of exchange rate, completion of mega development projects, lower inflation, end of extremism and terrorism. He said that on the contrary his opponents would carry how they closed down cities, protests, arson and looting, obstacles in path of progress and development of Pakistan, attack on the parliament, damage to democracy and nothing constructive.
“They are damaging entire Pakistan as they damaged one province,” he said. He said that he was pleased to be there on the renovation and improvement of the six-lane Lahore-Islamabad Motorway section and said that the road was a wonder when it was constructed around 16 years back. He said that the modernisation of the M-2 Motorway would be jointly undertaken by the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) and National Highway Authority (NHA) within a stipulated time of three years.
The prime minister said that though the FWO chief has assured him of completing the road in shortest period of time, however, he said that he understands that General Afzal would be able to deliver the road in one and a half years. He said that the overlaying, fencing, beautification of the road would make travel along it all the more a wonderful experience. He said that the government was not seeking any loans from abroad for the construction of the road. On the contrary, the FWO would pay an amount of Rs 206 billion to the government of Pakistan over the agreement period, besides looking after the road.
He said that the very first day the project kicks off, Rs 9.5 billion would be paid to the government. The prime minister also assured that the proposal by the FWO for setting up Industrial Zones would be undertaken on priority by the government and a feasibility would be prepared in due course. He appreciated the FWO Director General Major General Muhammad Afzal for undertaking the project and several other development works throughout Pakistan. He lauded FWO for constructing roads in parts of Balochistan, where no private organisation was willing to work.
He said that the project would help bring in latest construction machinery and equipment for the up-gradation of the road. He hoped that the modern technology being inducted by the FWO would be used for undertaking similar works across Pakistan. The prime minister said that the government has lowered the price of electricity tariff by Rs 2.32 per unit and said that it would have a trickle-down effect. He hoped reduction in power tariff would help industries flourish, boost agriculture productivity and at the end the common man would be benefitted.
He said that the price of electricity tariff would further decline in the days ahead, when it would be generated from coal, completion of Bhasha and Dasu Dam, Bunji Dam, Chasma IV and Neelum Jhelum and other projects. He said that with lower price of electricity the prices of fertilisers and other industrial products would also decline and generate economic activity at all levels. He said that the next project undertaken would be the motorway from Karachi to Lahore, Peshawar to Kabul, and Kashgar to Gawadar. The prime minister said that the previous government ignored its duty of renovating the road after ten years of use, however, now his government was undertaking the gigantic task.
He said that the motorway at that time had cost around Rs 30 billion, which was now five times more and equivalent to Rs 249 billion. He said that the motorway has now become an earning venture besides saving time and cost of the commuters. He said that the M-2 motorway was an example that how the value of assets multiplies over the time. He said that he can foresee a modern Pakistan in not too distant future where modern road network would be connecting the agricultural farms to markets and to cities and eventually to the airports and sea ports.
He said that improvement on the KKH (Korakaram Highway) would also usher in a new era of development and it would be linked with Islamabad through tunnels from under the Margalla hills. He said that his government was also working on a plan to provide natural gas to all cities and towns of Balochistan in next two years so as to end the sense of deprivation. FWO director general in his briefing said that renovation of the project would be done in accordance with international standards and would be completed well ahead of the three-year deadline. He said that the reconstruction would be carried out without disturbing the flow of traffic. He said that the road would be modernized and meets latest international standards. Giving the details he said that CCTV cameras would be installed at every kilometer to provide live coverage and ensure safety and security of the road users.
He said that fruit trees would be planted along the M-2, while Theme Parks and improved rest areas would provide the travellers a comfortable stay. The Lahore-Islamabad motorway (M2) has been entrusted to FWO for its overlay and modernization for the next 20 years on Built-Operate-Transfer basis. According to the contract agreement, the repair work will include improved road safety features, rescue and recovery, distress management, toll plazas and rest area facilities. General Afzal said that the FWO has been successfully completing mega projects of national importance related to hydro electric, mining and railways. He also mentioned that the ongoing work on the Karakoram and Makran Coastal Highways. Minister for Information and Broad Casting Pervaiz Rashid, parliamentarians, NHA Chairman Shahid Ashraf Tarar and Engineer in Chief Lt Gen Khalid Asghar were present on the occassion.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk