Peshawar - Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal chaired a progress review meeting of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on Sunday. The meeting included officials from the Ministry of Communications, Economic Affairs Division, Board of Investment, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, National Highways Authority, Quetta Electric Supply Company, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, and Gwadar Development Authority. Officials from all provincial governments participated online.
The meeting covered a range of key issues, including the formation of agricultural technology working groups, preparations for the 5th JWG Meeting in Pakistan, and plans for the forthcoming Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting in June. Other discussions included the distribution of agricultural equipment, the operationalization of Gwadar’s desalination plant, and the installation of 15,000 solar power units in Balochistan.
Minister Iqbal was briefed on the agricultural machinery assistance from China, valued at 12 billion rupees, and instructed provincial departments to distribute the machinery within 10 days. He also stressed the importance of agricultural mechanisation to boost productivity.
The installation of solar systems in Balochistan was also reviewed, with officials confirming that work was ongoing in 29 districts and seven districts were completed. The minister emphasised the urgency of completing the installations in all districts to address energy shortages and climate concerns. Additionally, Iqbal directed authorities to expedite the transmission line to Gwadar’s South Free Zone to enable the operationalisation of the desalination plant.