President General Pervez Musharraf has said that the government has taken certain important and big decisions to ensure funds availability for development projects and directed the concerned ministries to ensure proper execution of mega projects.
He said that he was satisfied with the progress being made on majority of the projects. "I am satisfied with the pace of work. But work on a number of projects must be stepped up," he said, while talking to newsmen after attending detailed briefing by Planning and Development Division Deputy Chairman Akram Sheikh.
Akram Sheikh briefed the president on development projects in water and power, fuel, communication, physical planning and information technology.
The president was briefed about 18 water and power projects, including Mangla Dam raising, Greater Thal Canal, Mirani dams and other mega projects.
Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Water and Power Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister Nauraiz Shakoor, Communications Minister Babar Khan Ghouri, Information Technology Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Sindh Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Balochistan Governor Awais Ahmad Ghani and other officials of the concerned ministries attended the briefing.
The president said, "We have taken certain decisions on the issue of funds availability for the projects." The decisions will have long-lasting effects as far as the execution of the projects is concerned, he said.
Musharraf directed the water and power minister to complete the work on 18 ongoing and proposed water and power projects, which will cost around Rs 260 billion.
The president gave special instruction to the ministry to complete work on Mangla Dam raising, Greater Thal Canal, Mirani Dam and other projects, which would give benefit to the common people.
"Giving relief to the poor is the top priority of the present government. The proper execution of these projects will boost employment opportunities for the people," he said.
He said that the ministries must give top priority to the mega development projects for they could create more jobs for the people and better environment to bring the nation on fast development track.
Talking to newsmen, Akram Sheikh said that Makran Coastal Highway and Gwadar Port would cost Rs 15 billion each. He said that the construction of Makran Coastal Highway would be completed next year.
The two projects will bring the backward areas of Balochistan at par with the developed areas of the country.
He said the president was briefed on Lyari Expressway, Karachi Northern Bypass, Gwadar-Khuzdar-Tudero road, Gwadar seaport, Karachi bulk water supply, Quetta water supply and environmental improvement, Thar coal, Raini Canal, Balochistan Affluent Disposal and other projects.
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