TURBAT: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday has said, “The dream of Balochistan’s prosperity is being realised with completion of several development projects, ensuring “a new Pakistan in the making.”

“A new and developed Balochistan means a new Pakistan, with an unprecedented progress never took place in history,” the premier said in his address at the inauguration of a 448-kilometre-long Sorab-Hoshab road, an important segment of western route of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The PM reiterated that, “It’s not only a highway but a game changer.”

He said, “The journey of progress and development is continuing on full pace in every nook and corner of the country.”

He also said, “Billions of rupees are being spent on development of Balochistan and the government is in particular focusing on its development to mitigate the sense of deprivation of Baloch people.”

Nawaz Sharif said, “The road network in Balochistan would connect Gwadar port upto Khunjerab border with China and would ensure economic activity, reduce poverty and unemployment in the province.”

“With completion of every new road in Balochistan, comes another ray of hope of a promising future for the people of the province,” he said, adding that, “A strong communication network would pave way for building of schools, universities and hospitals.”

“Activity will increase by traffic of Khunjerab-Gwadar,” he said.

The PM also said that, “We pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the construction of this road.”

Further, he urged the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to launch a Boeing service from Karachi to Turbat.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that his government had chosen the path of serving masses and whosoever wanted to reach the power echelons, should also adopt seriousness and sobriety.

“Only a serious command with a vision can lead the nation,” he said adding that, “The public in 2018 election would give their decision in favour of those who took steps for their welfare.”

He regretted the attitude of some politicians who were constantly involved in mud-slinging and said, “Those who throw mud on others can’t serve the country.”

“Such people are bringing negativity to the society,” he added.

“Pakistan is a cultured nation with great moral traditions,” he said.

Those who ruin these norms, are responsible for spoiling generations and history calls them the ‘disgrace of ancestors’,” he said.

The PM also said that, “The government is partially working on CPEC project.”

He pointed out that, “The ‘friends’ are glad for the construction of CPEC however the ‘enemies’ want to harm the project.” 

Nawaz Sharif said most of the development projects were completed during his present tenure adding that, “The country has experienced a visible change in terms of strong economy, improved law and order and reduced load-shedding of electricity.”

He said that, “The incumbent PML-N Government has laid a firm foundation of Pakistan in three years.”

Chief Minister Balochistan Sanaullah Khan Zehri expressed gratitude to PM Nawaz Sharif for giving priority to the people of Balochistan and supporting the launch of several development projects.

He said, “Different areas of Balochistan are being connected with road networks and the dream of progress and prosperity for the province was being realised.”

He said, “Uplift of Balochistan is in the manifesto of PML-N.” 

Director General Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal said, “The Sorab-Hoshab road project has been materialised with the unity and will power of the federal and Balochistan government, FWO, National Highway Authority and local administration.”

About the project’s salient features, the DG FWO said, “Initially it started in September 2007, but was stopped due to lack of funds owing to deteriorating law and order situation.”

He said, “Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in January 2014 gave a 'go-ahead' to restart the road under the guidance of FWO, NHA and NESPAK.” 

He said, “The deadline was reduced from five years and six months to two years and three months.”

The DG FWO paid tribute to 32 jawans who laid their lives during construction of this road.

He said, “The road is an important segment of the CPEC and would bring prosperity to the area, and added that Sorab-Panjgur-Baseema road had been named as Hoshab-Sikandrabad Road.”

Commander Southern Command Lt Gen Amir Riaz, former chief minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and parliamentarians attended the event.