RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Work on different mega projects being executed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) should be expedited so as the people could reap the fruits of development at the earliest.

This was stated by Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani during a meeting with Ambassador of China Yao Jing, here Friday. Balochistan Chief Secretary Dr Muhammad Nazir was also present in the meeting.

Sanjrani said completion of the projects for provision of clean drinking water, healthcare facilities, vocational training and sports infrastructure on priority basis is of vital importance for the province of Balochistan.

He said that historic friendly ties between Pakistan and China have further strengthened due to enhanced economic cooperation between the two countries. Projects under CPEC are not only for the benefit of people of Balochistan but also very important for economic development of different areas of the country as well as providing a milestone for future development of China. Sanjrani said that provision of quality health and education facilities would raise the standard of living of people of Balochistan. He said that keeping in view the increasing requirement of health sector in the province, a hospital of international standard in Balochistan should be setup in addition to provision of added healthcare facilities to the people.

He said that the province is offering optimal investment opportunities due to ongoing development process in the province and there is a huge potential for the investment in fisheries sector.

Sanjrani said that other less developed areas of the country should also be included in the development stream to provide better facilities to the people at par with the developed areas. He said that there is a need to offer special scholarships for the students of Balochistan with the cooperation of Chinese government.

The provincial government may provide these scholarships to the students of all the districts of province purely on merit so as to improve the standard of education, especially in the neglected areas.

The chairman Senate was apprised that as a part of the sport infrastructure development process in Balochistan, the first football stadium would constructed in Quetta. He was also informed that different projects are being planned for less-developed areas of the country with close collaboration of Chinese government and Ministry of Planning and Development.

The Chinese ambassador said that Pakistan-China friendship is time-tested and the present economic partnership would be mutually beneficial for both the countries. He said that Chinese government is fully cooperating with the government of Pakistan for the executing public welfare projects in less-developed areas of the country with the active participation of the relevant provinces.