Railways to undertake ML-1 project in phases

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan Railways has decided to take up ML-1 project, which was earlier to be carried out as a part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), at its own and it will be completed in different phases 

This was disclosed by the CEO of Pakistan Railways, Farrukh Taimur Ghilzai, while addressing the officials of the Karachi Division during his latest visit. 

Earlier he held a meeting with the Divisional officers at the Divisional Superintendent Office upon arrival here from Lahore during his two-day tour of Karachi. 

Upon arrival at the Karachi Cantonment Station, the CEO was welcomed by the DS Karachi, Kashif Rasheed Yusufani, and other senior divisional officers. 

In the meeting, the CEO was given a detail briefing on the attainment of targets in Karachi Division during the current financial year. 

The CEO informed that the ML-1 project will be completed from Karachi to Hyderabad in the first phase to be followed from Hyderabad to Tando Adam and Tando Adam to Rohri in the second and Rohri to Khanpur in the third phase during which the tracks will be fully upgraded. 

The Railways chief shared that their organization was fully aware of the problems of travelling public and they have decided not to raise the railway fares despite fuel prices hike. 

He called upon the officials to serve the people with true dedication and honesty to bring improvement in the railway’s credibility and quality of public service. 

After presiding over the meeting at the DS Office, the Railways CEO also met Engr Nisar Memon, Chief of PRFTC Chief, obtaining first-hand information from him about goods trains. He later went around the South-Asia Pakistan Terminal where he was given a detailed briefing by the CEO of Hohisin Company, Capt Rashid Jamil.

Pakistan committed for CPEC projects’ timely completion

 By Masood Sattar Khan

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Prime Minister Imran Khan has declared that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a transformational project and reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment for timely completion of the CPEC projects. 

The Prime Minister expressed these views when he met the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Nong Rong, at Islamabad on November 11.

“The Prime Minister congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and extended best wishes for a fruitful term,” the statement issued by PM Office noted. 

The premier also accentuated the significance of special economic zones (SEZs), relocation of industry, and improved productivity in agriculture sector. 

The Chinese envoy on the occasion expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Imran Khan and reassured China’s support in completion of CPEC projects and enhancement in industrialization and agricultural sector in Pakistan.

Nong Rong assumes ambassadorial duties

 By Masood Sattar Khan 

  (Pakistan News & Features Services)

The new Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Nong Rong, has assumed his responsibilities and met with senior government officials in Islamabad on November 2. 

During a meeting with the Foreign Secretary, Sohail Mahmood, Ambassador Nong Rong reaffirmed the strong commitment of his country to Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. 

The Foreign Secretary hoped that projects under the China Pakistan economic Corridor (CPEC) would be completed on fast-track. 

Ambassador Nong Rong also presented a copy of his credentials to Zahoor Hassan, Director General of the Protocol Department at Foreign Ministry. 

"It is a great honour to be the ambassador at a critical moment in future development of China-Pakistan relations,” the ambassador remarked.

China’s new ambassador to present credentials next week

 By Masood Sattar Khan 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The newly designated Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Nong Rong, is scheduled to meet President Dr Arif Alvi next week to present his credentials and deliver an important message from President Xi Jinping. 

The first non-career diplomat for Pakistan for 40 years, Nong Rong assumed his assignment in Islamabad last week and had important meetings with senior top officers, including that of the Foreign Office. 

He has brought a special message of goodwill of Chinese President Xi Jinping for the government and people of Pakistan that he would deliver to the President Dr Arif Alvi. 

Ambassador Nong Rong has been dealing in foreign trade and economic affairs for the past three decades besides in various capacities. He, however, was never associated with the Chinese Foreign Office but he’s known to be having tremendous skill of negotiating and comprehending trade and economic matters. 

Nong Rong, 53, belongs to the remote southern Chinese autonomous region of Guangxi Zhuang which is located near Vietnam’s border. 

The diplomatic sources said that Nong Rong would provide much needed impetus to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the flagship gigantic Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), connecting China with the whole world through new highways and routes. He is regarded among close aides of current Chinese leadership.

China-made Pakistan's Orange Line Metro Train being commissioned at Lahore on October 25

 By Masood Sattar Khan 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Orange Line Metro Train, developed with financial and technical assistance of China, is scheduled to be inaugurated by the Punjab Chief Minister, Usman Buzdar, at Lahore on October 25. 

For the auspicious occasion, the new Chinese Ambassador, Rong Nong who arrived in Pakistan a couple of days ago, has also been invited. 

The metro train for the public will be available from October 26. A fare of Rupees 40 has been fixed initially and it will be reviewed after six months. The metro train will cover 27-km distance in 45 minutes.

In the first phase, the train would start operation from 7 in the morning and end operation at 8 in night. A team of Chinese experts has imparted training to Pakistani train drivers and other associated staff. 

The commissioning of metro train has fulfilled another project launched under the auspices of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Olive harvest reaches 11,000 tons

 By Masood Sattar Khan 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The local olive harvest cultivation in the country during the current season is projected to cross 11,000 tons, showing a significant development towards reducing reliance on the imported edible oil as well as to exploit the export potential of this particular agriculture produce.

“The country is expecting to extract about 13,000 tons of extra virgin olive worth millions of dollars that would help to boost the farm income with less investment and use of inputs,” Project Director of Olive Cultivation on Commercial Scale in Pakistan, Dr Muhammad Tariq, disclosed in an interview. 

He pointed out that olive has been successfully cultivated over 27,000 hectares of land across the country and it was set to extend its cultivation to over 70,000 hectares to turn the marginal lands into productive for enhancing the income of small scale growers. 

Under the olive cultivation project the farmers were provided about 550,000 plants last year and this year over 675,000 more plants would be distributed. 

Dr Tariq added that the government intended to provide about 2.2 million plants and bring about 50,000 hectares under olive cultivation by end of 2022-23, adding that if continued with same spirit, the country would be included in the list of potential exports of extra virgin olive oil. 

Meanwhile, the provincial governments of Punjab and Balochistan have also installed three units each in different districts, whereas the private sector was also active and had installed its mobile plants in Fasilabad and Chakwal. 

In order to facilitate the local growers of Balochistan, five oil processing units have been installed there, besides the farmers were also provided training of value addition of the product and processing. 

This year, he said that the government had decided to organize two-day International Olive Conference in Khuzdar, which would be virtually participated by experts from Greece, Italy and Spain, adding that local scientists and experts would also take part in the event. 

The conference to be held from October 21 is aimed to encourage olive cultivation in the province which have a brighter scope in back drop of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

Pakistan-China friendship above CPEC: Ambassador Yao

 By Masood Sattar Khan

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing, remained convinced that Pakistan-China friendship was much above the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). 

"CPEC is not the whole thing. We were friends even before the CPEC. There is no doubt CPEC has strengthened the bonds further but the brotherhood is much above a project," he said to a loud applause by the journalists who had come to say good-bye to a friend of Pakistan. 

Ambassador Yao has completed his tenure in Pakistan and will soon leave for Beijing. He has been replaced with the nomination of Nong Rong, Head of Ethnic Affairs Commission of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 

Speaking at the farewell reception, with an emotional and victorious voice, the senior diplomat remarked that CPEC could not be stopped or delayed on the wishes of the conspirators. 

"Yes, there are conspiracies but CPEC is going on smoothly. I am very satisfied with the pace of work. Let the conspirators do their job as we focus on development and prosperity," he asserted. 

The envoy said he will miss Pakistan as he had spent 11 years of his career in the country under different capacities. "When I first came to Pakistan, I was a junior diplomat. And as I complete my tenure now as the ambassador, I am more in love with Pakistan. I don't know when I will return to Pakistan but my heart and soul will remain in Pakistan," he declared amid the thumping of desks and clapping.

China to assist in developing agriculture sector

 By Masood Sattar Khan 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

China has decided to assist Pakistan in developing dates processing plants and onion cold storages in Southern Balochistan 

The consensus was reached when the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Syed Fakhar Imam, had a farewell meeting with the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing, on September 18. 

The minister appreciated Ambassador Yao Jing for his contributions in further fostering bilateral ties between the two brotherly countries. 

Fakhar Imam acknowledged the need of expanding the friendly relations between the two Asian nations and reiterated the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with the People’s Republic of China. 

The Federal Minister stated that the high level visits from both sides have opened up new horizons for our bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of agriculture. 

He hailed the appointment of an Agricultural Counselor in the Chinese Embassy, which has helped in effective coordination in all areas of agricultural cooperation. 

He reckoned that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will go a long way to further strengthen relations as well as development of Agriculture and livestock sector in Pakistan.

Nong Rong appointed as China’s new ambassador

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Nong Rong has been appointed as China’s new Ambassador to Pakistan, according to an announcement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing on September 11. 

A native of Guangxi, Nong Rong was holding the post of provincial minister before being named as the Ambassador to Pakistan. 

He holds vast experience in trade that would greatly help in implementation of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects on fast track. 

His predecessor Yao Jing is scheduled to return to Beijing a couple of months before the completion of his three-year tenure to assume new responsibility in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

PM to attend Rashakai SEZ opening

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Prime Minister Imran Khan will specially participate at the signing ceremony of development of Rashakai Special Economic Zone in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa next week. 

The Rashakai SEZ, being developed under the auspices of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is spread over one thousand acres and is located on M-1 Nowshera. 

It would be developed in three phases. It will house garment, textile industries, building materials, different merchandise, electric and electronic equipment, automobile and mechanical units.

Asif Zardari fully supports BRI, CPEC

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Former President Asif Ali Zardari, has asserted that China was a true friend of Pakistan, having provided selfless help to Pakistan's economic development and social progress over the years.

"The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), proposed by President Xi Jinping is far-sighted. The construction of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) promotes Pakistan’s development and prosperity and improves people’s livelihood,” the former President expressed these views while meeting with the Chinese Ambassador, Yao Jing, at Islamabad on September 10.

“The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) firmly supports the BRI as well as the CPEC. Our party hopes to strengthen the exchange of experience in party governance with the Communist Party of China and promote the continuous development of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic partnership,” Asif Zardari remarked. 

Earlier the former President and co-chairman of the PPP, Asif Ali Zardari, alongwith the Vice Chairman of the Senate, Saleem Mandviwala, and Senator Sherry Rahman, upon arrival at the Chinese embassy in Islamabad, were warmly welcomed by Ambassador Yao Jing and Minister Counselor Pang Chunxue. 

Ambassador Yao recalled that the PPP and the Bhutto family were old and good friends of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people, having firmly supported the development of China-Pakistan relations for a long time. 

“China attaches great importance to the traditional friendship with the People's Party and is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with it to promote the comprehensive and in-depth development of the relations between the two parties and the two countries,” he added.

Railways to invite ML-1 tenders from September 12

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan Railways is set to invite the much awaited tenders for its mega Mainline-One (ML-1) project from September 12. It’s one of the major projects being undertaken in the multi-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). 

“We are going to open the international tenders of the ML-1 on September 12. It is good news for the Pakistan Railways. The railways management will simultaneously initiate the publicity of this mega project which it believes is the only way to revive the ailing public sector corporation,” Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, the Minister for Railways, announced in a press briefing at Lahore where Pakistan Railways is headquartered. 

It was revealed that the bidding documents for USD 6.8 billion have already been finalized and the documents titled ‘Upgradation of ML-1’ have been divided into three separate packages.

Japan urged to invest in CPEC projects

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Defence Minister, Pervaiz Khattak, has urged Japan to make investment in mutually beneficial projects, particularly those under the auspices of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). 

He expressed these views when he met the Japanese Ambassador in Pakistan, Kuninori Matsuda, at Islamabad on September 10. 

He specifically urged Japan to make investment in maritime and industrial manufacturing sectors to help promote industrial activities through mutual benefit partnership.

Pakistan Railways undertaking three CPEC projects

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan Railways has three Main Line projects by the name of ML-1, ML-2 and ML-3 and the upgradation of all these will be carried out in phases under the auspices of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). 

The first phase upgradation and doubling of 1872 Kilometers long ML-1 starts from Karachi and will pass through country's major cities and culminate in Peshawar. 

However, it will pass through Havalian dry port to be built with an estimated cost of USD 40 million. 

The distance between Havalian to Kashi (China) by railway is around 1,059 kilometers. This railway connection between Pakistan and China would be the shortest and most convenient particularly for traders of the two countries. 

There is an alternate scheme of Gwadar Port passage that will connect Gwadar with Karachi to facilitate goods services. 

Meanwhile, the Railways Minister, Shaikh Rashid Ahmed, has recently disclosed that after approval from Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and tendering work on the ML-1 project will be initiated in next two months.

Gwadar-Chabahar ports considered win-win for Pakistan, Iran

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

A group of diplomats and experts on foreign relations from Pakistan and Iran have called for cooperation between Iran’s Chabahar and Pakistan’s Gwadar ports that would bring prosperity and enhance ties between the two neighbouring countries.

The diplomats and experts expressed the views during the webinar on the subject of Iran-Pakistan Economic Partnership in the Post-Corona era which was hosted by Golden Ring Economic Federation (GREF) in Lahore with the cooperation of the embassy of Iran. 

The speakers from Iran called for the use of the capacity of regional economic cooperation organizations, including ECO, and said that the Islamic Republic of Iran was ready to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). 

The Pakistani experts stressed the importance of Iran’s joining CPEC project, saying that it would strengthen the long-term cooperation between Tehran and Beijing. 

At the webinar, Mashallah Shakeri, Advisor to the Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran and former Ambassador to Pakistan, and Madoud Mohammad Zamani, senior expert from the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), shared their thoughts on the bilateral cooperation between the two neighboring countries through video link. 

The other speakers at the webinar were Hasanin Reza Mirza, director of the Golden Ring Economic Research Institute, Defence Analyst Lieutenant General Sikander Afzal (retd), Arif Kamal, and Sanaullah former Pakistani ambassadors, and Qandil Abbas, Professor of international relations at the Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad. 

The participants explained the important and key policies of the two countries, especially in the geopolitical scenario in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, the developments of the subcontinent, and their impact on security and economic stability in the region. 

Emphasizing the Islamic Republic’s effective vision for the development of economic relations with Pakistan, China, and Russia, the Iranian experts pointed to obstacles noting a delay on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project from Pakistan, they said Iran was ready to export gas to the neighboring country. 

The Iranian diplomats considered the development of cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries as a key factor in the expansion of Iran-Pakistan relations and said that linking the ports of Chabahar and Gwadar will pave the way for regional cooperation between the two neighboring countries. 

They stressed the importance of advancing energy projects in the region, including the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project with China, to avoid the US pressure and sanctions. 

The Pakistani speakers called for the establishment of a joint working group with the participation of the two countries’ private sectors to find ways of development, the establishment of excellent joint centers for advanced research and development, and the acceleration of exchange programs between Iran and Pakistan. 

The participants in the webinar also suggested to develop and expand public relations between the two countries, especially in the fields of culture and tourism.

Pakistan, China agree to international participation in CPEC

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

A number of important topics were discussed and agreed upon during the foreign ministers' level meeting held between Pakistan and China at Hannan, China, on August 21. 

The two sides will continue to firmly advance the construction of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), ensure timely completion of those projects under construction, focus on economic and social development, job creation and improvement of people’s livelihood, and further strengthen cooperation in Specialized Economic Zones. 

They will also be extending cooperation in industrial relocation, science and technology, medical and health, human resources training, poverty alleviation, and agriculture with the aim to continuously unleash the great potential of CPEC to make it a hub of regional connectivity. 

Both sides expressed satisfaction on agreements reached on recent mega energy projects and look forward to convening the 10th JCC meeting at the earliest possible date to promote the CPEC to make positive contributions to the high-quality construction of BRI. 

The two sides reaffirmed the principle of wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits in building CPEC, and welcomed the international community to join in the CPEC construction on the basis of consensus to achieve shared development.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrives Beijing

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, has arrived Beijing on August 20 for a two-day official visit to China. 

At the Beijing Airport, the Foreign Minister was welcomed by Ambassador Moin-ul-Haque besides other senior Pakistani and Chinese officials. 

Shah Mahmood Qureshi will meet his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, and hold talks to be focused on various fields including various projects under the second phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

New track for KCR within four months

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Federal Railways Minister, Shaikh Rashid Ahmed, has announced that the new track for the much talked about Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) will be laid within four months. 

Addressing a press conference the Railways Minister pointed out that the Mainline 1 (ML-1) project, being implemented under the auspices of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), was a very significant one and, after its implementation, the Pakistan Railways will enter into a modern era. 

To a political question, Shaikh Rashid, known for his farsightedness, asserted that the present government will complete its constitutional tenure of five years.

Pakistan’s role in ensuring regional peace lauded

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chinese Ambassador, Yao Jin, has highly lauded Pakistan's role in ensuring regional peace and stability. 

Addressing a webinar organized by Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, Ambassador Yao Jin pointed out that priority was being given to socio-economic development in the second phase of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). 

It is pertinent to note that in the second phase basic emphasis is to be paid to poverty alleviation, industrial development and basic health services. 

Ambassador Yao Jin said that the two-way exchange of delegations and CPEC scholarships played an important role in human resource development.

90 percent local laborers to be recruited in CPEC projects: Ambassador

By Masood Sattar Khan

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jin, has declared that as many as 90 percent local laborers will be recruited in projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). 

China fully supports Pakistan's government human resource development programs, he said. 

The Chinese Ambassador expressed these views when he met with the Federal Education Minister, Shafqat Mahmood, who was also thrilled with the success of the CPEC which was further strengthening the friendship between Pakistan and China. 

The Education Minister stated that the National Vocational and Training Commission will establish liaison through the CPEC Authority with the Chinese companies for recruitment of Pakistani workforce.