STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE: FWO - The Leading Communication Infrastructure Development Organisation in Pakistan
Pakistan Army Engineers in 1959 were assigned the challenge of constructing a 291 Km road connecting Swat with Chilas along River Indus, called the Indus Valley Road (IVR) which was completed in 1965. During 1966, the Government decided to raise the status of the IVR to that of an international highway and extend it right up to the Border with People's Republic of China; The Karakoram Highway (KKH). Consequently, the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) was raised under the auspices of Army Engineers to take on this daunting and challenging task ever undertaken by a construction firm in Pakistan.
In Phase-1, construction of 589 km road was completed from Thahkot to Khunjrab Pass. In Phase 2, construction of additional 140 km to Havelian was executed by FWO. The construction of this 729 KM long highway was spread over two decades, during which the devoted men of FWO forced their way through Karakoram Mountains and worked ceaselessly under most trying conditions. This unique task, parallel to none in the world, was completed in Jun ie 1978. Acknowledging the tremendous potential demonstrated by FWO in undertaking road development works in hostile terrain and climate, Government decided to retain and strengthen FWO. After completion of KKH, first few projects were awarded to FWO by Ministry of Communication which initiated the commercial journey of this unique organization. FWO initially made major contributions in communication infrastructure development works in Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. Later, it was awarded projects all across the country and its presence was realized quickly in all four provinces. Thus FWO has spread its domain from the smow covered mountains of Northern Areas and Kashmir to plaints of Punjab and Sindh and in rugged areas of Balochistan. Its area headquarters and construction teams are deployed in almost all types of terrain and climatic conditions of the country.
FWO today is the leading communication infrastructure development organization of Pakistan. It has strategic reach at national level with ability to execute diverse construction project. In last 48 years, its specialized in undertaking challenging projects under difficult and hostile conditions. FWO is currently executing projects worth Rs 411 Billion. It has workface of over thirty thousand direct and indirect employees. These brave and dedicated employees equipped with a mechanical efforts of over six thousand machines are committed in delivering quality projects within stipulated timeframes. 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. To-date, 1268 brave officers and men have sacrificed their lives and 10,220 have been injured in the line of duty.
Construction of Coastal Highway Besides carving out KKH "The Eighth Wonder of the World" FWO has accomplished many landmark projects all over Pakistan. Coastal Highway rightfully is another project that FWO can rightly be proud of.
Development Works in FATA
The Quick Impact Projects in Federally Administered Tribal Areas have changed the landscape of the area. The socio-economic indicators obtained through a special study clearly indicate that the region is benefitting from the fruits of peace and development. Progress and prosperity is now a reality. People of FATA had never been provided with such opportunities. The road infrastructure developed by FWO coupled with health and education projects is expected to usher an era of sustained development in FATA.
The Quick Impact Projects in Federally Administered Tribal Areas have changed the landscape of the area. The socio-economic indicators obtained through a special study clearly indicate that the region is benefitting from the fruits of peace and development. Progress and prosperity is now a reality. People of FATA had never been provided with such opportunities. The road infrastructure developed by FWO coupled with health and education projects is expected to usher an era of sustained development in FATA.
Traditionally, Torkhum and Chaman are routes to Afganistan and further to Central Asian states. Two additional routes connecting Afghan Ring Road known as "Central Trade Corridor" ie Bannu - Miran Shah - Ghulam khan and DI Khan - Wana - Angoor Adda have recently been developed by FWO. Intra-connectivity between these two routes has been achieved through Road Miran Shah - Makeen Wana and Road Makeen - Jandola - Tank, Central Trade Corridor is served by over 1485 km of roads, out of which 1294 km (approx 87%) of high quality roads, have been completed on Pakistan side by FWO. With Central Trade Corridor, connectivity to Indus Highway has been enhanced besides reducing distance between Karachi and Kabul. Construction of over 680 km roads, 60 bridges, two tunnels, Gomal Zam Dam with an irrigation system of over 272 km, a grid station and 47 km long 123 KVA line in a span of four years under precarious security and hostile terrain conditions indeed makes FWO an organization that the people of Pakistan can be rightly proud of.
Winning the hearts and minds of the residents of FATA was only possible through their national integration. To extend them a good communication infrastructure for quick access of main cities was the first step forward. The challenge of undertaking construction of FATA Road Network in shortest possible timeframe could only be undertaken by FWO Harsh climate, difficult terrain and hostile environment, nothing could stop the glimmer men of FWO from fulfilling the hopes of local common populous of having a prosperous FATA. The wave of prosperity has resulted in reduction of militancy and with this growing tide, not only people of FATA will benefit from it but peace will also prevail.
Development of Communication Infrastructure in Balochistan
Balochistan also is in need of national integration and again quick development of road infrastructure has been identified as the best way forward. The road projects of Balochistan had been stalled due to adverse security environment. The only access to Gwadar is through Coastal Highway, whereas success of Gwadar lies in its connectivity through Northern Pakistan to China and through Afghan Ring Road to the Central Asian Stated. To develop this connectivity, FWO has embarked on multiple highway construction projects in Balochistan. Some of the highway projects to link Gwadar with rest of the country being undertaken by FWO include:
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Kalat - Quetta - Chaman (N-25) - 230 Kms
WaigumRud - Khajuri (N-70) - 64 Kms
Sorab - Panjgur - Hoshab (N-85) - 450 Kms
Gwadar - Hoshab Section (M-8) - 193 Kms
Khuzdar - Shahdadkot Section (M-8) - 58 Kms
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Work on these projects is underway with full thrust and are expected to be completed by end of next year. Completion of these projects would usher a new era of economic activity. Peace and prosperity in Balochistan.
Pioneers in Build, Operate and Transfer Regime
FWO is also spearheading the "Build Operate and Transfer Regime" in Pakistan. FWO's most recent significant venture on this accounts is "Rehabilitation and Modernization of Islamabad-Lahore Motorway". For almost fifteen years, the Korean Construction of M-2 has remained an example to follow in road construction in Pakistan. FWO through its committed manpower and recent induction of world's best construction machines is all set to lay foundation of new higher construction standards in Pakistan, for others to follow.
Overseas Ventures
FWO has taken part in overseas ventures as well. Clearing of Kuwait minefields after the 1st Gulf War and Construction of Road Torkham-Jalalabad are its leading overseas ventures. This year FWO has signed contracts for overseas projects in UAE while it is also planning to expend its fold to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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