ISLAMABAD: The China-Pakis­tan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (Tapi) gas pipeline projects will go a long way in improving the standard of living for millions of people in the region, said a top official of the United Nations on Wednesday.

Dr Shamshad Akhtar, the executive secretary of UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap), told Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during a meeting that CPEC would usher in economic prosperity for Pakistan and the region. She praised the prime minister for initiating infrastructure projects, saying these would ensure better regional connectivity and socioeconomic development.

Mr Sharif said his government had overcome multiple challenges enabling the country to march towards attaining sustainable economic and social development. “Our government has pulled the country out of numerous crises and today Pakistan is viewed as a different country from what it was a few years ago.” He said the improved law and order situation had boosted the confidence of investors.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2016