Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday arrived in Gwadar on a day-long visit to lay the foundation stone for various development projects, including the Eastbay Expressway.
The prime minister was received by Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizinjo, provincial minister Muhammad Khan Lehri and senior government officials.
The Gwadar Eastbay Expressway is a six-lane urban motorway that will connect Gwadar port with the city’s free trade zone and the Makran Coastal Highway after its completion.
PM Shehbaz was also expected to address tribal elders, fishermen, and a delegation of Chinese companies and media representatives.
An aerial view of the expressway project was also on the agenda. The trip comes only a day after the prime minister’s visit to Turkey.
It may be noted that the government has called on Turkey to join the CPEC project.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also visited the Command and Staff College in Quetta during his Balochistan visit. On arrival, the prime minister laid floral wreath on Shahuada monument to pay homage to martyrs of Pakistan.
Later, he addressed the officers attending Command and Staff Course 2021-2022, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
Speaking at the occasion, PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan’s armed forces are guarantors of peace, internal and external security, regional stability and also contributing to global peace efforts.
Paying rich tribute to achievements and sacrifices of Pakistan Army, the PM said that “our successes in war against terrorism are unparalleled, duly acknowledged by the world. The armed forces have always done a commendable job in service of the nation during natural calamities”.
Armed forces of Pakistan, he reiterated, are very important state institution and are pride of the nation. “Country’s defence is sacred and Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and integrity will be ensured at all costs,” the PM emphasised.
The nation owes its freedom to monumental sacrifices of our martyrs, the PM concluded.
