GILGIT: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday performed the groundbreaking of the Pakistan-China Optical Fibre Cable project which is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Radio Pakistan reported.

The $44 million, 820-kilometre-long cable project stretching from Rawalpindi to Khunjerab will be completed by the Special Communication Organization in two years.

Upon completion, the project, which will provide an alternate telecommunication route between Pakistan and China, will also bring 3G and 4G connectivity to the region, Nawaz said.

Nawaz also inaugurated the Gilgit-Baltistan CPEC patrolling police headquarters in Gilgit, Radio Pakistan reported.

The patrolling force comprising 300 personnel will help regulate traffic along a 439km chunk of the CPEC in the area. China has provided 25 vehicles for the patrolling force.

The premier announced the establishment of a technical training institute in the region. "We will initially set aside Rs100 million for this project," he said.

Nawaz stressed the need for preparedness for a newer knowledge-based economy. "These development projects will help reduce extremism," he said, pointing towards a lack of employment in as a driver of militancy.

Opinion

Editorial

IMF’s projections
Updated 18 Apr, 2024

IMF’s projections

The problems are well-known and the country is aware of what is needed to stabilise the economy; the challenge is follow-through and implementation.
Hepatitis crisis
18 Apr, 2024

Hepatitis crisis

THE sheer scale of the crisis is staggering. A new WHO report flags Pakistan as the country with the highest number...
Never-ending suffering
18 Apr, 2024

Never-ending suffering

OVER the weekend, the world witnessed an intense spectacle when Iran launched its drone-and-missile barrage against...
Saudi FM’s visit
Updated 17 Apr, 2024

Saudi FM’s visit

The government of Shehbaz Sharif will have to manage a delicate balancing act with Pakistan’s traditional Saudi allies and its Iranian neighbours.
Dharna inquiry
17 Apr, 2024

Dharna inquiry

THE Supreme Court-sanctioned inquiry into the infamous Faizabad dharna of 2017 has turned out to be a damp squib. A...
Future energy
17 Apr, 2024

Future energy

PRIME MINISTER Shehbaz Sharif’s recent directive to the energy sector to curtail Pakistan’s staggering $27bn oil...