ISLAMABAD: Participants of a consultative meeting on Friday, chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at his office, decided to form a steering committee headed by the prime minister to oversee implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

The meeting, which was attended by representatives from all political parties and provinces, was held to allay concerns and reservations over the construction of the economic corridor.

PM Nawaz also directed fast track implementation of the western route of the corridor, as all political parties agreed to support the project, said a statement from the PM Office.

All four chief ministers will be included in the committee, which would meet every three months to review progress on the project’s implementation.

The statement added that the prime minister will personally supervise implementation of the western route of the CPEC to ensure that reservations of all political parties are addressed with consultation.

The meeting discussed the details of the project, its route and the setting up of economic zones at strategic locations.

In the meeting it was agreed that the location and setting up of the economic zones along the CPEC would be done in consultation with the provinces.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the corridor will benefit all provinces.

“The premier will head a committee comprising all four chief ministers, federal ministers and chief secretaries to oversee implementation,” he said, adding that PM Nawaz has assured the political leadership their reservations will be addressed.

Iqbal said work on the western route will be initiated after consultation with the political leadership.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed mirrored Iqbal’s comments, and added that the entire political spectrum had expressed support for the government in completing the mega project.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the “western route will be given top priority.”

“It will comprise four lanes and may be extended to six.”

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak said PM Nawaz has assured to address “our reservations.”

He said details of the project will be shared with all stakeholders, adding that the provincial government will “extend full support to CPEC.”

Jamaat-i-Islami chief Sirajul Haq termed the meeting as “fruitful.” He said his party had forwarded their “proposals for CPEC.”