Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his day-long visit to Karachi on Monday, reiterated that the city is the 'engine of growth for Pakistan' and if the metropolis prospers, the whole country will prosper with it. The premier's remarks came during the ground-breaking ceremony of the groundbreaking of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project worth Rs20.7 billion. "We can not fully comprehend the importance of Karachi in Pakistan," PM said. "If Karachi prospers, the whole country prospers. We all know what Karachi was like in the 1970s, but unfortunately, disruption started to occur when it was about to take off in the 80s ." The premier added that that the whole country was affected as Karachi started to face problems. "The transformation plan we laid down, with the help of the provincial government to uplift Karachi last year in September, would be beneficial for the entire country," he said. Imran regretted that the city could attract investment from all over the world, but the transport sector which attracts investment, was not invested into as it should have been. Read More: KCR in spotlight "KCR is a big step in that direction. It would take pressure off from the [congested] road network," the premier said. Furthermore, the prime minister urged Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, present during the ceremony, to reconsider the Bundal Island Project. "It would take the pressure off Karachi. All the benefit is for Sindh; all the jobs and the profit. If the city keeps expanding like it is currently, it would become very difficult to provide utilities to the citizens. When space runs out, development goes vertical. You can take New York City as an example," the premier said. He added that the Ravi City project would also save Lahore because as it is expanding and the project is attracting foreign investment. "If we do not plan today for the city's future, then no government would be able to provide facilities to it. The Bundal Island Project is will bring investment from abroad. It is a win-win situation," he said adding that overseas Pakistani's are the biggest asset of the country. PM Imran further said major projects were not completed as they lack political will. "They are difficult and sometimes the projects get stuck, and KCR may also face hiccups, but we have to work together keeping our political differences aside," PM urged the provincial government The KCR project is worth Rs20.7 billion. It was not only being rehabilitated but also being expanded and modernised. The 30 stations of the modern circular railway would link residential, industrial and office areas. This would not only reduce the flow of traffic in Karachi but also facilitate the passengers. Electric trains are also part of this project which will help reduce pollution.
from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/2WiGC8I
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