‘Strong ties with Kabul Islamabad’s top priority’

KABUL.

Ahsan Iqbal said this at a ceremony of handing over eight weigh bridges to government of Afghanistan held in Islamabad on Thursday.

Afghanistan Ambassador to Pakistan Janan Mosazai was the Guest-of-Honor on the occasion. Other senior officials were also present on the occasion.  The Federal Minister handed over documents of 8 weigh stations/bridges to the Mosazai.

Addressing the ceremony, he said: “The present democratic government gives utmost importance to bilateral relations with the neighboring countries and has further strengthened relations with Afghanistan by handing over 15 weigh-stations/ bridges for development of its road infrastructure that will promote ties between two brotherly countries.”

He said that the prime minister’s vision 2025 promises rapid development in the road infrastructure and “we will ensure durable road links with Central Asian States that will boost our trade, commerce and tourism.”

He said that the Planning Commission had directed National Highways Authority (NHA) to expedite the construction of strategic roads on priority basis not only to ensure inter-connectivity of provinces within Pakistan but also connect the neighboring countries to promote regional level corridors of trade and investment.”

Almost 58% of the 2^nd phase of Jalalabad-Turkham Road Project has been completed and the remaining part will be finished within two years, he said, adding that the Jalalabad-Turkham Road Project, which was started in 2003, had already completed 72 km road in 2007 during 1^st phase.

He symbolized the gift of eight weigh stations as the beginning of new paradigm in the relations with Afghanistan and other neighboring countries which was being spearheaded by the prime minister of Pakistan.

He said: “Regional connectivity is the cornerstone of our economic strategic vision which requires peace and stability through shared and collaborative approach of the neighboring countries. The government is committed to shift the security paradigm into economic paradigm for peaceful and prosperous South Asia.”

He pledged that within next three years, transformational change in Pakistan would be phenomenal with respect to integrated infrastructure and investment opportunities. The cluster of projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would make Gawadar a commerce and tourist resort integrating three billion populations of South Asia, China and central Asia.

pr/rm