ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claimed that despite “wasting” billions of rupees, the government of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party could not complete any project for the resolution of water and electricity crises for the people of Gwadar who rendered great sacrifices for the port city.
In a series of tweets, the prime minister, while referring to his Friday’s visit to Gwadar, wrote he was convinced more than ever before that development of Pakistan was linked to peace, stability and progress of Balochistan.
He said the government of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) parties was determined to assist Balochistan by working with its government and tribal leaders to chart the way forward.
The prime minister, during his visit to the city, also issued a number of directions for the completion of different projects.
“During my visit to Gwadar, I witnessed how the PTI government miserably failed [sic] the people of Gwadar. Despite wasting billions of rupees and precious time, it could not complete any project for resolution of water and electricity issues for the locals who gave great sacrifices for Gwadar port,” he tweeted.
During my visit to Gwadar, I witnessed how PTI govt miserably failed the people of Gwadar. Despite wasting billions of rupees & precious time, it could not complete any project for resolution of water & electricity issues for the locals who gave great sacrifices for Gwadar port.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 4, 2022
“The same holds true for Gwadar seaport and construction of Gwadar airport. No dredging was carried out at the seaport and thus no large cargo ship can be anchored. Have ordered quick completion of Gwadar University, airport and installation of a desalination plant for clean drinking water.
“I am convinced more than ever before that development of Pakistan is linked with peace, stability & progress of Balochistan. The coalition govt aims to assist Balochistan by working with the provincial govt & local elders to chart the way forward,” Sharif said in an attached tweet.
However, contrary to Sharif’s claims of lack of interest and launch of development work on part of Imran Khan, the former prime minister launched a number of development and infrastructure projects — including an expo centre, agriculture industrial park and three factories — in July last year.
Similarly, in October 2018, barely a month after assuming office, Khan’s administration announced the building of a $10 billion oil refinery near the deep-water port of Gwadar to reduce petroleum product imports.
Khan’s government wanted to turn Gwadar into “an oil city” to reduce dependence on imported refined fuel, Khusro Bakhtyar, then-minister for planning and development, told reporters.
However, Saudi Arabia, which was funding the project, later decided to shift the proposed refinery to Karachi from the centre stage of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
