TORGHAR: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday emphasized the need for national unity and collaboration to drive the country’s progress. He was addressing local elders in Torghar after laying the foundation stone of the Torghar Buner Highway, Buner-Karakar Link Tunnel, and Torghar-Buner RCC bridge.
Prime Minister said it is the responsibility of the government, judiciary, armed forces, and the people to act in unison for ensuring the development of the country.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the significance of unity, hard work, and dedication by the nation to make the future of Pakistan brighter.
He said Pakistan recently faced financial challenges and got a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund to avert default. He mentioned, in this regard, the supportive role of army chief General Asim Munir for clinching the three billion dollars deal with the global lender.
He expressed confidence that Pakistan would soon gain a significant place in the comity of nations.
Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the sacrifices of the forefathers of locals who donated their lands during the formation of Pakistan, seventy years ago.
Prime Minister announced establishment of a Danish school, two colleges in the area, an educational facility project earlier launched by him in Punjab for the children from underprivileged families.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister was given a detailed briefing on the projects. It was briefed that after construction of Torghar-Buner Road and bridge at Indus River, people will travel only for one kilometer instead of 250 kilometers to reach areas situated at other bank of the River. It was briefed that it would also connect district Buner, Mardan and Terbela.
The Prime Minister was briefed that total length of Karakar Tunnel will be 2.1 kilometer and it will be constructed at a cost of 9.58 billion rupees in three years. It will connect District Buner with Swat Motorway.
Similarly, the Torghar-Buner RCC Bridge at Karakar on Indus River will be 876 meters long and constructed at a 9.95 billion rupees within three years.
Speaking on the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif said today he is pleased to lay foundation stones of the development projects, which will usher in a new era of development and prosperity in the area.
He directed the authorities concerned to work round the clock and complete these projects within one or one and a half year instead of stipulated timeframe of three years.
Moreover, Prime Minister Shehhaz Sharif said on Thursday some rivals were praying to see Pakistan default, as he again hoped that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board would formally approve the $3 billion stand-by arrangement.
He was in Torghar – formally a provincially administered tribal area which was later merged with the settled districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – to lay foundation stone of different projects – Torghar-Buner Highway, the Buner-Karakar Link Tunnel and Torghar-Buner RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) bridge – which would cost Rs18 billion.
Addressing a gathering attended by local elders and political personalities, the prime minister said Pakistan had been destroyed during the former government’s tenure and their priority was to save the country from default.
Therefore, Shehbaz described the IMF deal as an urgent requirement, not “some sweet”, and said the first step towards formalising the agreement had been completed with the staff-level agreement on the stand-by arrangement.
He thanked the friendly nations – China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE – for extending assistance during the difficult period, Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir for his contribution and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar for his hard work that resulted in successful dialogue with the IMF.
The prime minister said he had been working under the leadership of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif for the last 35 years and promised that the journey towards development would again start with the former premier leading the nation.
On the occasion, Shehbaz announced also establishment of a Daanish School as well as two colleges in the remote district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PML-N leader retired Capt Muhammad Safdar said the underdeveloped area of Torghar, formerly known as Kala Dhaka, was in dire need of development and infrastructure.
Adviser to the Prime Minister Amir Muqam said the bridge would connect the Hazara and Malakand divisions, thus facilitating the locals. –Agencies
