ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Friday the early completion of projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remains the foremost priority of the government.

Chairing a meeting of the cabinet committee on the CPEC, he directed the Board of Investment and other relevant federal government departments to actively engage with provincial governments to ensure timely completion of various corridor-related projects.

The committee reviewed progress on various initiatives being carried out under the CPEC in the fields of energy and infrastructure, including the M-1 project and Karachi Circular Railway, besides the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

The committee also reviewed preparations for the visit of a senior-level delegation to China pursuant to the 7th Joint Cooperation Committee meeting held in Islamabad on Nov 21, 2017. The secretary of the Power Division briefed the committee about various power-sector initiatives, including 300-megawatt Gwadar power project that will be set up to fulfil electricity needs of the port city and its adjacent areas.

The committee was also briefed about progress on the establishment of transmission lines to carry power from various generation sources.

The chairman of the National Highway Authority briefed the committee about progress on various infrastructure projects, including the construction of Raikot-Thakot Road and Khuzdar-Basima Road.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2018