It was the responsibility of govt, judiciary, armed forces & the people to act in unison for ensuring development of country: PM Shehbaz
TORGHAR, July 06 (SABAH): Prime Minister MIan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said it is high-time for the nation and the State institutions to join hands in making the country progress. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said it was the responsibility of the government, judiciary, armed forces and the people to act in unison for ensuring development of the country.
He was addressing the local elders in Torghar after laying foundation-stone of Torghar Bunir Highway, the Bunir-Karakar Link Tunnel and Torghar-Bunir RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) bridge on River Indus.
The prime minister highlighted the significance of unity, hard work and dedication by the nation to make the future of Pakistan brighter. He said Pakistan recently faced financial challenges and got a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to avert default. He expressed confidence that Pakistan would soon gain a significant place in the comity of nations. He said on 12th July the IMF board will give final approval to Pakistan’s program. He said that the enemies of Pakistan were praying day and night for Pakistan’s default but Almighty Allah buried their prayers. PM Shehbaz Sharif said that he was thankful to MD IMF, adding that also thankful to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, China, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE). PM Shehbaz Sharif said he was thankful to Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir for fully assisting him to secure $3 billion from Saudi Arabia and UAE.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was blessed with natural resources, however stressed the need for exploring the avenues of development for the benefit of people.
The prime minister acknowledged the sacrifices of the forefathers of the locals who donated their lands during the formation of Pakistan 70 years ago.
He regretted the apathy of political leaders in the past, who neglected the area and did not make efforts to mainstream it in the journey of national development. He emphasized giving opportunity to the locals to help them prosper in educational and professional fields.
He expressed concern that without the bridge, the locals had no other choice but to travel a distance of 250 kilometres. The construction of bridge would reduce the distance to only one kilometre.
He directed completion of the said bridge in one year instead of the stipulated time-frame of three years and said the three infrastructure projects worth Rs 18 billion would greatly facilitate the locals.
PM Shehbaz Sharif announced establishment of a Danish school in the area, an educational facility project earlier launched by him in Punjab for the children from underprivileged families. He also announced setting up of two colleges in the area and said that soon work would be started to ensure supply of electricity.
Pakistan Muslim League leader retired Captain Muhammad Safdar said the underdeveloped area of Torghar, formerly known as Kala Dhaka, was in dire need of development and infrastructure.
He said the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Torghar was a good omen for the people of the area, which was now destined to progress under his vision of development.
PM’s Adviser Engineer Amir Muqam said the bridge will connect the Hazara and Malakand divisions and facilitate the locals.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Adviser to PM on Establishment Ahad Cheema and officials of local government were present.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister was given a detailed briefing on the projects. It was briefed that after construction of Torghar-Buner Road and bridge at Indus River, people will travel only for one kilometer instead of 250 kilometers to reach areas situated at other bank of the River. It was briefed that it would also connect district Buner, Mardan and Terbela.
The Prime Minister was briefed that total length of Karakar Tunnel will be 2.1 kilometer and it will be constructed at a cost of 9.58 billion rupees in three years. It will connect District Buner with Swat Motorway.
Similarly, the Torghar-Buner RCC Bridge at Karakar on Indus River will be 876 meters long and constructed at a 9.95 billion rupees within three years.
Speaking on the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif said today he is pleased to lay foundation stones of the development projects, which will usher in a new era of development and prosperity in the area.
He directed the authorities concerned to work round the clock and complete these projects within one or one and a half year instead of stipulated timeframe of three years.