INTRODUCTION: Frontier Works Organization (FWO), today's most versatile and vibrant construction firm, was established on 31 October 1966 to carve out an all-weather land link across crags and crevices of the highest mountain ranges of the world, the Karakoram Highway - recognized as Eighth Wonder of the World. It was towards the completion stage of KKH that the Government realised the tremendous potential of FWO for carrying out civil engineering projects in difficult and inhospitable areas and decided not only to retain FWO, but also to expand its tentacles across the country.
HISTORY
Since its inception FWO has left its imprints, bringing prosperity to utterly deprived and backward areas from the simmering plateaus of Balochistan to the treacherous mountains of FATA and from the deserts of Sindh to snowcapped Siachin. Over these years, FWO has played a leading role for the development of communication infrastructure including roads, railway lines and airfields, building of dams, canals and barrages, thermal and hydelpower projects, tunnelling and mining, telecommunication, construction of residential & industrial units and proved its unmatched qualitative and quantitative potential.
FWO has completed challenging mega projects in FATA such as Gomal Zam Dam, Nahakki Tunnel and the Central Trade Corridor linking Afghanistan. Western Route of CPEC has been further connected with Afghanistan at Ghulam Khan and Angoor Adda through development of Central Trade Corridor in FATA. Along Eastern Route of CPEC, Lahore - Islamabad Motorway has been rehabilitated and modernized on BOT basis while Karachi - Hyderabad Motorway shall be completed during this year. In Balochistan, FWO has completed 878 km road network to connect Gwadar with Chaman and with Indus Highway to operationalize China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Some of the mega accomplishments of FWO include Makran Coastal Highway, Rehabilitation of Sukkur Barrage, Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad-Chilas Road, Skardu & Wana airfields, Lyari Expressway, Swat Expressway, Karachi-Thatta Dual Carriageway, Lahore-Sheikhupura-Faisalabad Road, Lakpass Tunnel, Shalamar Interchange, Rehimabad and Habibabad Flyovers, Lodhran-Khanewal Railway Track, New Islamabad International Airport etc.
FWO took part in overseas ventures as well. Clearing of Kuwait minefields after the 1st Gulf War in 1991 and Construction of Road from Torkham to Jalalabad in hostile and precarious security environment and construction projects in UAE are its leading overseas ventures.
FWO's 53 glorious years portray the growth of a small but dedicated workforce into the largest construction organization of the country which has demonstrated its competence in diverse fields of infrastructure development. In execution of projects, FWO remains committed to its motto, 'Sustaining Excellence' with integrity and sincerity and takes pride in cultivating the culture of quality work at no extra cost. FWO at time faces certain challenges due to its strict adherence to the code of ethics, yet unflinching resolve has earned it the respect of the clients.
CURRENT PURSUIT
Currently FWO has strategic reach at national level with ability to execute diverse construction projects. It has specialized in undertaking challenging projects under difficult and hostile conditions. FWO over the years has also diversified itself. The workforce that once consisted of road engineers only, now is a blend beautifully balanced to undertake civil engineering projects of hydro & thermal power, railways, airports, tunnels and irrigation sector. FWO's dedicated workforce has suffered many casualties in execution of projects.
The organisation is committed towards the uplift of national infrastructure whatever the odds may be. FWO is the pioneer of 'Public Private Partnership' projects in Pakistan and several ventures under PPP mode are being implemented throughout the country. FWO's experience of past in multiple fields, its flexible organization, large work force, pool of state of art machinery and reputation of quality construction in stipulated time-frame qualifies it to be the first choice for any client. With an illustrious track record, FWO looks forward to greater challenges and stands better equipped and organized than ever before to meet them. FWO's 'Joint Ventures' with multinationals on projects both inland and abroad is a reality with number of projects acquired in UAE. Being the pioneers of Public Private Partnership in Pakistan we are undertaking mega projects under Built Operate and Transfer (BOT) to accelerate the pace of development in the homeland.
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
FWO has always played a pivotal role as first responder to various national disasters and emergencies. May it be rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts after 2005 Kashmir earthquake or project of lowering of Attabad lake and opening up of KKH, FWO's efforts to bring relief to disaster hit areas has been commended at all levels. Cognizant of the national obligations, FWO has always promptly responded to all calamities and disasters, and shall remain prepared for any such eventuality in future as well.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019
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