CPEC projects of immense benefit for country, region: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Tuesday said various projects being implemented under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would immensely benefit Pakistan in particular and the region in general after their completion. Addressing the parliamentary party meeting of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) here Tuesday, the Prime Minister also asked the Cabinet ministers to brief the participants of the meeting about the performance of their ministries as well as the government''s achievements during the last three-and-a-half years.
Nawaz Sharif stated that former president Pervez Musharraf tried to make an underhand deal in 2007 but he turned down the proposal. Sharif added that Musharraf sent an indirect message to him that he is interested in resolving the issues. The Prime Minister further said that he does not believe in secret deals. The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan''s economy witnessed a positive turnaround and is fast growing despite numerous challenges inherited by his government in 2013.
He said the government initiated mega energy and infrastructure projects to address the issue of power shortages and increase connectivity in Pakistan. "Our government has overcome the issue of power shortages to a great extent and load shedding will be part of history by the year 2018. We are massively investing in motorways, highways and other infrastructure projects as well," he added.
The overall law and order of the country, especially the situation in Karachi and Balochistan, has greatly improved during the tenure of the incumbent government. Pakistan of 2017 is very different from that of 2013, Nawaz maintained. The Prime Minister said the government has paid special attention to the development of Balochistan. He said the independent and credible financial institutions of the world have recognised that Pakistan''s economy is stabilising and is on the right path of growth. "We have ensured complete transparency in the execution of the projects and have never compromised on principles," he said.
The dividends and benefits of these projects will reach all parts and people of Pakistan, he emphasised. He asked his party members to work hard for alleviating the problems of the people of their respective constituencies. While briefing the meeting, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar stated that financial stability and economic growth are achieved by the government during the last four years.
Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq briefed the meeting on projects and performance of Pakistan Railways while citing data which demonstrated manifold increase in resources, profits, freight and passengers business since 2013. Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi gave a briefing on energy projects.