Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, has emphasized the importance of water security to the country’s economic and environmental stability. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Planning, Iqbal chaired a meeting that discussed the progress of various projects, including the initial work on the ML-1 Karachi-Rohri section, which is expected to start in July.
During the meeting, the progress of the ML-1, ML-3, and Thar Coal Railway projects was reviewed. A briefing was also given on the 884-kilometer ML-3 railway project, which is estimated to cost Rs. 5,370 billion. The project is expected to be completed by June 2026.
The meeting also directed the prioritization of the Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway, completion of the Quetta-Karachi motorway within three years, acceleration of work on the Karakoram Highway Phase 2 to complete it by 2028, and expediting work on the motorways connecting Sambarial, Kharrian, and Rawalpindi.
The Ministry of Planning stated that the ML-1 project is a priority, and 34 major water projects under the PSDP were reviewed. The estimated cost of the water projects under PSDP is Rs. 1,848 billion. The major water projects include those on Khabbarkai, Dasu, Diamir Bhasha, Mahmond, and Tarbela expansion.
The Karachi-based Khabbarkai water project was declared an essential urban requirement. During the meeting, Iqbal emphasized the need for timely completion and quality of national projects, identifying and resolving issues promptly. He stated that the Thar Coal Railway project is strategically crucial for energy and industry, as it will ensure water supply, flood control, and electricity generation.
Iqbal reiterated that water security is linked to Pakistan’s economic and environmental stability, and infrastructure development is the government’s national priority. He also directed the acceleration of work on the Makhael, Panjgur, and Chitral Road projects, emphasizing the importance of coordinated planning and institutional harmony to achieve results.
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