ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal said on Tuesday that Thar would emerge as the ‘energy capital’ of the country and serve as an employment and growth hub for backward areas of Sindh.
He said that investors in Thar should demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to improve people’s living standards in the underdeveloped district. “The economic activity in Thar should not mean earning profits only; it should be aimed at uplifting the social sector,” he said. The minister advised the Water and Power Ministry to help the Balochistan government prepare a financial feasibility for use of coal reserves in Harnai to firm up the coal-based power project in the area.
Iqbal expressed these views while chairing a meeting, which reviewed progress on various projects associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Officials from various ministries briefed the minister about the status of the CPEC projects. The minister directed the officials to complete construction work on CPEC projects on a fast track basis and complete them in time.
The minister laid stress on smarter and scientific approach towards work on CPEC projects. He called for mobilisation of the required financial resources for smooth execution of work on these projects. He laid stress on environmental aspects of all CPEC projects and observed that precautionary measures should be taken to avoid any environmental hazards.
About Gwadar, Iqbal said that economically and environmentally feasible power projects should be set up there to cater to the power needs of Gwadar Port City and Makran coastal belt. He underscored the need for a plan to develop Gwadar Port City with an aesthetic look with the help of top architects.
He directed the officials to chalk out plans for downstream disposal of ash of the coal-based power plants. He asked the authorities to study the best international practices for utilisation of ash of the coal-based power plants. He directed the National Highway Authority to meet deadlines for completion of the missing links on the western route and make it operational on a priority basis under the CPEC framework.
He stated, “Gwadar will be connected to the rest of the country through three routes that would bring a transformational change in the area.” He directed the authorities to work out a plan to upgrade Sust Dry Port in Gilgit-Baltistan and make its use amid the ongoing work on the CPEC projects.
