GILGIT, 19 MAY (DNA) – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday performed groundbreaking of Pakistan-China Optical Fiber Cable Project in Gilgit. This project is a part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

On arrival, the prime minister was received by Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan and Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman. Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony, the PM hoped that the project will play a vital role in development of the region.

The PM, during his speech, announced to release Rs.10 crore for development schemes in Gilgit, besides announcing to institute a technical training centre. The Optical Fiber Cable project, costing 44 million dollars will be completed in two years. It’s part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Special Communication Organization will lay 820 kilometre long cable from Rawalpindi to Khunjerab. On completion the project will provide an alternate telecommunication route between Pakistan and China. During his visit, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also inaugurated Gilgit-Baltistan CPEC patrolling police headquarters in Gilgit.

The patrolling force, comprising 300 personnel, will help ensure safe and smooth flow of traffic on the 439-kilometre chunk of the CPEC project in Gilgit. China has gifted 25 vehicles for the patrolling police. DNA