Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said his government was committed to progress and development and undertaking a string of projects across the country to boost national economy generate employment and reduce poverty. The prime minister was addressing a gathering after reviewing the pace of progress of the Bhikki Power Plant. The gas-powered Bhikki power plant has a total capacity of 1180 MW and would be fully operational by the end of 2018. Almost 84% work has been completed and the plant would be producing 716 MW initially before summer this year. He said only a year back he visited the site of the project that was located in between the fields, however, today a huge infrastructure had cropped up in a short span of time. The prime minister said the pace of progress on the project was very impressive and unbelievable. He said the project would be known in the times ahead for being very cost effective. He said had the pace of development and progress initiated by him in the early 90s allowed to continue unhindered the country would have been included in the list of developed countries.He said when his government came to an abrupt end in 1999 it had surplus power and was making remarkable progress in all areas, however, later none of the governments bothered to fulfill their responsibility to meet power shortages and complete the ongoing projects. He said his government re-initiated all stalled projects and particularly mentioned progress on Neelum Jhelum and Lowari Tunnel. He also recalled the initiation of many old and new projects across the country that included power plants, airports, motorways, metro services; Orange Line in Lahore and KCR for Karachi. The prime minister said apart from development projects his government was also working hard to turn around the national economy.He cited a number of leading international publications including CNN, The Economist, Bloomberg, etc. who were acknowledging the marked improvement in economy and the country’s bright future ahead.The Prime Minister said when he took over in 2013 Pakistan was about to be declared a failed State with its economy on the verge of collapse, however, in a short span of three years the entire situation has changed. The world today has a very positive opinion and was looking forward to see it emerge as a booming economy. He said it would not only bring a good name to the country but also benefit its people. Finally the projects initiated by the incumbent government to tackle energy crisis and are being materialised by add power in national grid. Although government during his election campaign had claimed to end load shedding in 90 days but its claims seem fulfilling now as load shedding in the country has significantly reduced. Industry is being provided uninterrupted supply of electricity and due to military operation law and order situation is also improving. Due to reform agenda country has achieved macrocosmic stability. The implementation of China Pakistan Economic Corridors is underway it will change the landscape of the country and the region. Government should expedite its work on ongoing projects to complete them as soon possible and should take steps to give maximum relief to lay man. The government needs to address the unemployment, poverty and others challenges on fast track basis.
