52 countries want to be part of CPEC: PM

GWADAR: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said that 52 countries want to be part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), adding that Rs25 billion have been approved for the megaplan.

The prime minister spoke informally to media in Gwadar, where he arrived today. He said that speculation over a reserved judgment can be detrimental to judicial decorum, in an apparent reference to the Panama Papers case in the Supreme Court.

He said currently, his entire focus is on economic progress and development of the country.

The PM arrived on a two-day visit here from Pasni, where he inspected the road network up to Gwadar. He was briefed by Director General Gwadar Development Authority regarding the developmental projects' progress.

The premier is scheduled to chair a high-level meeting on development projects initiated by CPEC in the port city and will address the public in Gwadar on Thursday. He is also set to visit roads and development projects falling under the CPEC in the city.

Sharif was accompanied by Minister for Railways Khwaja Saad Rafique and Minister for Planning and Development Dr. Ahsan Iqbal as he left Karachi early Wednesday morning.

During his two-day visit to Karachi, the prime minister said his government stands for the complete religious freedom of all communities and will ensure the provision of equal rights to all citizens as enshrined in the Constitution.

He spoke about various projects implemented by the federal government for the development of Karachi including a K-4 Water Supply Scheme, Green Line Bus Rapid Transit Service, and a six-lane Hyderabad Motorway that is being completed with assistance from the federal government.