Parliament Informed: Completion of $11 Billion CPEC Projects
In a recent update presented in the National Assembly on Thursday, it was revealed that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project has seen significant progress. Thirteen projects, collectively valued at approximately $11 billion, have already been successfully completed. Furthermore, another thirteen CPEC projects, amounting to a total of $18 billion, are currently in the implementation phase, while an additional $21 billion worth of projects are in the pipeline.
In a recent update presented in the National Assembly on Thursday, it was revealed that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project has seen significant progress. Thirteen projects, collectively valued at approximately $11 billion, have already been successfully completed. Furthermore, another thirteen CPEC projects, amounting to a total of $18 billion, are currently in the implementation phase, while an additional $21 billion worth of projects are in the pipeline.
Notably, the Gwadar East Bay expressway, a critical component of CPEC, has reached a commendable milestone, with 46% of the work now completed. Additionally, the New Gwadar International Airport, being constructed with Chinese assistance, promises to be Pakistan's largest airport upon completion.
Switching gears, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Muhammad Khan, shared that a total of 124,587 individuals participated in the Assets Declaration Scheme introduced by the current government last year, resulting in the recovery of over sixty-two billion rupees.
In the realm of development, the federal government has allocated 152 billion rupees for the enhancement of tribal districts in the current fiscal year.
The country's economic landscape also showed positive signs, as Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce, Aliya Hamza Malik, reported a 4.79% increase in exports during the initial five months of the fiscal year. Moreover, she highlighted a substantial 35% reduction in the trade deficit, signaling a significant achievement.
In the energy sector, Minister for Power, Umer Ayub, disclosed ongoing discussions with NEPRA to revise the tariff structure for electricity connections, specifically for tube wells associated with community-based supply projects. This revision aims to lower power tariffs for these tube wells.
Furthermore, Umer Ayub announced a substantial allocation of three hundred million rupees for the upgrading of a grid station in Chitral District and the electrification of neighboring areas, emphasizing the government's commitment to Chitral's development.
Speaking to Pakistan's international image, Umer Ayub praised Prime Minister Imran Khan's role in promoting peace through initiatives such as the Kartarpur corridor. This gesture has earned positive recognition from the global Sikh community while drawing attention to discriminatory actions by the Indian government against minorities.
Minister for Communications, Murad Saeed, highlighted the government's efforts to extend economic stability benefits to the masses. He pointed to the Sehat Insaaf Card scheme, enabling cardholders to access medical treatment worth up to seven hundred and twenty thousand rupees at both public and private hospitals. The distribution of 5.7 million Sehat Insaaf cards has commenced, with 53,480 individuals set to receive them in the federal capital by March.
Additionally, a relief package valued at six billion rupees has been launched through Utility Stores to provide essential commodities to the public at reduced rates. The government has also initiated the Panagah program to offer shelter to those in need.