Islamabad, May 7 (APP): Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the federal government accelerated the pace of development projects over the past year, achieving significant milestones. So far, over 50 projects have been completed with a total cost exceeding USD 29 billion. According to officials, these projects include the generation of 11,110 megawatts of electricity, the construction of highways, and 886 kilometers of transmission lines. Over 236,000 job opportunities have been created under CPEC across the country, marking a positive development for Pakistan’s economy.
According to documents available to APP, key completed projects include:
- New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA): Inaugurated on October 14, 2024, and fully operational from January 20, 2025, this is Pakistan’s largest airport capable of handling large aircraft like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8.
- Karot Hydropower Project: A 720-megawatt project completed in June 2022, marking a major milestone in CPEC’s energy sector.
- Rashakai Special Economic Zone: Located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, its first phase was completed in July 2023, contributing to industrial growth and job creation.
- Bannu Economic Zone: Spanning 408 acres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, its first phase has been completed, including essential infrastructure like roads, electricity, gas, and water.
- Pak-China Friendship Hospital, Gwadar: A modern 150-bed hospital completed in June 2024, providing facilities to over 900 patients daily and offering employment opportunities to locals.
ChatGPT said:
According to the report, ongoing projects include:
- M-6 Motorway (Sukkur-Hyderabad): A 306-kilometer-long motorway currently under construction.
- Gwadar Free Zone Phase II: The second phase of the Free Zone is being developed to boost economic activities in Gwadar.
- Bostan Economic Zone: Located in the Pishin district of Balochistan, this zone is significant for industries such as agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals, and more.
The report states that for the socio-economic development of Balochistan, the federal government has launched 27 projects focused on improving water supply, urban planning for Gwadar, and infrastructure development.
Over the past year, the federal government has completed several key CPEC projects that are contributing to Pakistan’s economic growth and infrastructure improvement. However, more efforts are needed to overcome challenges faced by some projects to ensure equal development opportunities across all regions.
