MANSEHRA, 28 APR (DNA) – Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif says the agenda of the government is progress of the country and prosperity of its people. Addressing a big public gathering at Mansehra today, he said the government is committed to bring Pakistan at par with the developed nations of the world.

The Prime Minister said that with the completion of Havelian-Thakot motorway, the travel time between Shinkiari to Burhan will be reduced to less than 90 minutes from five hours.  He said in future Abbottabad will also be linked with this section.

The Prime Minister said those who made tall claims to bring change have done nothing for the welfare of people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Nawaz Sharif announced one billion rupees grant for Hazara University in addition to previously announced 660 million rupees.

He said the government is making all out efforts to address the challenges faced by the country. He said terrorism is on decline as a result of prudent policies of the government. He said the power loadshedding will end by 2018

The Prime Minister announced a number of development projects across Mansehra district including construction of Mansehra Bypass and roads, renovation of hospitals and schools. He also announced two hundred million rupees for purchase of land for four graveyards in Mansehra, two hundred million rupees for provision of electricity to Kala Dhaka.

He directed the Higher Education Commission to double the number of laptops for the youth of the area. He announced to provide gas to Balakot which will be later extended to Naran and Kaghan.

The Prime Minister announced that the petroleum prices will not be increased this month. Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Iqbal Zafar Jhagra also addressed the gathering.

Earlier, the Prime Minister performed the ground-breaking of Havelian-Thakot motorway in Mansehra under China Pakistan Economic Corridor. The 120-kilometer section will be completed in 42 months at a cost of 134 billion rupees. China Exim Bank will provide ninety percent of the funding, while rest will be arranged by Pakistan. DNA