MUZAFFARABAD Nov 30 (TNS): Azad Kashmir will not only contribute to the China-Pakistan Economic Revolution (CPEC), but also use it as a catalyst to start an economic revolution in the state, said Sardar Masood Khan, President Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while addressing a Marine Awareness Seminar organised at the Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA).
The President said that the Mansehra-Mangla Expressway will pass through the territory of Azad Kashmir and will connect all of its districts and further connect them with Pakistan. The Industrial Zone at Mirpur will service Azad Kashmir and the adjoining areas of Pakistan.
The two hydro-power projects at Karot and Kohala will generate approximately 1850 MW electricity and new projects will be explored at Azad Pattan, Mahl and Shounter, which should produce an additional 1250 MW electricity. Separately, he said, the Neelam-Jhelum, Patrind and Gulpur Projects should start generating around 1300 MW in a year’s time.
President Masood Khan said that in addition to these projects, under Long Term Plan (LTP) of CPEC, Azad Kashmir is also investing in information network infrastructure, trade parks, agriculture, tourism, poverty alleviation and livelihoods.
The President underlined the need for a comprehensive mapping and oceanographic survey of Pakistan maritime sector and marine resources to fully develop Pakistan’s coastal economy. The National Institute of Oceanography, he said, can successfully undertake this effort.
In the years to come, he said, Pakistan’s coastal economies would be supplementing and augmenting the land-based economy. This, the President emphasised, would be best done by developing and weaving together of the entire coast encompassing Gadani, Ormara, Pasni, and Jiwani.
“Pakistan’s exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles has expanded to 350 nautical miles after a UN Commission expanded its continental shelf limit by 50,000 square kilometers”, the President said adding that exploitation of the EEZ will deliver huge dividends to Pakistan and the region.
President Masood Khan underlined that since 95% of Pakistan’s freight trade is seaborne, it is necessary to equip Karachi and Bin Qasim ports, and overtime Gwadar, with modern technology, enhance their dredging capacity, and improve their management to make them competitive regionally.
The President said that at the moment only 2% professionals from Azad Kashmir were part of the Merchant Navy but this proportion will increase through awareness raising seminars being organised by the Pakistan Marine Academy in collaboration with the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
