Islamabad: 26th April 2024: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chairs preparatory meeting for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), highlights commencement of ML-1 Railway Line as top priority of the Government, underscores its role in boosting industries & reducing transportation costs.

The meeting convened key stakeholders, including the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatmi, Additional Secretary Planning Mr. Kamran Rehman, representatives from the Pakistan Embassy in China, Secretaries, and Senior Officials from various line ministries.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal  directed ministries to formulate output-based progress reports and proposals for PM's visit to China, emphasizing thorough research and readiness for negotiations.

The meeting also discussed collaboration with China in various sectors, with focus on mutual benefits and harmonizing projects with Pakistan’s 5Es developmental priorities.

While reviewing the progress of infrastructural projects in Gwadar, it was ascertained that Phase I of the GwadarExpressway is completed and operational, while work on Phase II, valued at Rs. 94 million, will commence shortly.

The Planning Minister also discussed the imperative of upgrading the Karakoram Highway (KKH) to mitigate the risk of submergence following the construction of the Bhasha Dam.