Islamabad: December 13th, 2024: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary conferred awards upon outstanding employees contributing to CPEC projects during a ceremony held at the Chinese Embassy. The event was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Jiang Zidong, and senior officials from both countries.
In his address, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal underscored the strategic significance of CPEC and its achievements over the years. “CPEC is a symbol of the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China. It not only promotes economic cooperation but also strengthens people-to-people ties,” he remarked.
The minister acknowledged the relentless efforts of engineers, technicians, and project managers whose dedication has turned CPEC’s vision into reality. He emphasized that CPEC is more than just a series of infrastructure projects; it represents a long-term partnership for sustainable development between the two nations.
Highlighting CPEC’s progress, Prof. Iqbal shared that 43 projects worth $25 billion were completed during the first phase, adding 8,800 MW of electricity to Pakistan’s national grid. These projects include 17 power plants, two coal mines, and the 660kV HVDC transmission line.
Reflecting on past challenges, he recalled that when CPEC was launched, Pakistan faced 18-hour power outages, a fragile security situation, and hesitant local investors. Despite these hurdles, China trusted Pakistan and helped turn an ambitious vision into a remarkable success.
The Minister detailed key infrastructure milestones, including the construction of over 800 kilometers of international-standard motorways and highways. He highlighted the completion of eight transport infrastructure projects worth $6.7 billion, with the Karakoram Highway (Havelian-Thakot section) receiving an international award.
Prof. Iqbal noted that CPEC has created approximately 200,000 direct jobs, with indirect employment opportunities being significantly higher. He also lauded Chinese workers for their tireless efforts, often working away from home for years to realize CPEC’s potential.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment, he assured that the safety and security of Chinese personnel would remain a top priority.
