M-8 on priority list

IN recent weeks, one has seen an increase in the pace of projects related to multibillion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project. Taking to twitter, Chairman of CPEC Authority Asim Saleem Bajwa said that construction of M-8 Ratodero Gwadar Motorway is the top priority of the government, sharing the good news that the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved Rs 26 billion for a 146 kilometre road from Hoshab portion of the motorway to Awaran.
The M-8 is a very important project as it will connect Sukkur-Larkana to Gwadar and most importantly as also stated by Asim Saleem Bajwa this road situated in the remote areas of Kech, Awaran will prove to be a beacon of light for the impoverished people of South Balochistan and will change their lives. Indeed improved connectivity in the province will create new opportunities of business and trade for the people as well as help realize the dream of urbanized Balochistan by connecting the far flung and neglected areas with the urban centres. In this backdrop, it is important that all the road infrastructure projects including East Bay Expressway should be completed within the given timeframe so that the people of Balochistan could also reap the fruits of progress and development especially emanating from the CPEC. We have no doubt in saying that the regional trade taking place from Gwadar will change the entire economic landscape of Balochistan province. Apart from infrastructure development, it is important that the youth of Balochistan are imparted with the necessary technical skills and education enabling them to seize the opportunities arising out of the CPEC-related projects. Currently, the economy is under great stress due to the breakout of Coronavirus and fast tracking working on the CPEC is important to put the country on the positive trajectory. The second phase of CPEC which envisages cooperation in agriculture and industrial sector is of immense importance to change the economic fortunes of the country. To achieve this, our authorities must accelerate engagements with the Chinese friends.