Reviving Gwadar's Promise: Minister's Vision for CPEC and Education
Professor Ahsan Iqbal, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, asserted during his visit to Gwadar that the development initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would be reignited with the same fervor as in 2013, with a commitment to resolving all outstanding issues amicably. He emphasized the integral connection between Gwadar's development, often deemed the gateway to South Asia, and the progress of the entire nation. The Minister highlighted the incumbent government's dedication to ensuring the success of CPEC projects in Gwadar, aiming to steer clear of the controversies that marred its predecessor's efforts.
Reflecting on his last visit to Gwadar four years ago, where he inaugurated various projects subsequently delayed by the previous administration, the Minister underscored the present government's focus on both public welfare and development initiatives. CPEC projects hold a prominent position on the government's priority list.
Professor Ahsan also stressed the government's unwavering commitment to enhancing higher education in Gwadar, an essential component in driving development. Efforts are underway to complete the university campus within the next 2-3 years, transforming it into a hub of excellence. Recognizing Balochistan's strategic importance, he affirmed that education could combat prejudice and contribute to societal progress.
In advocating for peaceful dialogue as the means to resolve differences, Professor Ahsan asserted that knowledge, research, and exploration were the cornerstones of global advancement. He lamented the delays in crucial projects such as new dams and the Islamabad Metro, attributing them to past negligence. However, he reassured that transmission line projects in Gwadar and the upgrade of local hospitals were underway, and more scholarships would be offered to Gwadar's students in the future.