CPEC To Bring Socio-economic Development In Country: Ahsan

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Dec, 2016 ) : Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal Tuesday said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being a game changer project, would bring equally socio-economic uplift in all provinces of the country.

Speaking in a tv programme, he said various projects of roads linkage, establishment of new hospitals and educational institutions were underway in less developed areas of Balochistan. He said CPEC would also provide employment opportunities to the local people of Balochistan which would ultimately raise their living standard.

The minister said various road projects were also in progress in Gilgit-Baltistan as part of CPEC which would enhance road connectivity. Ahsan Iqbal said Chinese multi billion investment in Pakistan through CPEC was an evidence of deep Pak-China friendship.

He said eying the importance of CPEC, many countries of the region were aspirant to become part of the mega project. Replying to a question, the minister said, after the 18th amendment in the constitution, department of urban development had been shifted to the provinces and they were independent to launch any mass transit project.

To another query, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) government had doubled the budget of Higher Education Commission in three years, which include financial assistance to the needy students besides the provision of laptop to bright students.

He said the incumbent government was going to establish public universities at district level to ensure access of the students in higher education.