ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a high-level meeting today to review the progress of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, focusing on the distribution of Chinese-donated agricultural machinery and the operationalization of the Gwadar desalination plant.
Swift Distribution of Agricultural Machinery
Minister Iqbal directed provincial departments to expedite the distribution of agricultural machinery donated by China, including 40 tractors, 40 multipurpose harvesters, and other equipment. He emphasized that the distribution should be completed within ten days to benefit grassroots institutions and enhance the capacity of agricultural research and farming communities across Pakistan. 
Operationalizing Gwadar’s Desalination Plant
The meeting also addressed the need to expedite the completion of the transmission line to Gwadar’s south free zone to ensure the timely operationalization of the 1.2 million gallons per day (MGD) desalination plant. Minister Iqbal instructed relevant authorities, including the Power Division, Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO), and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, to prioritize this task to provide clean drinking water to the residents of Gwadar. ([PID][1])
Commitment to CPEC’s Socio-Economic Goals
Minister Iqbal reiterated the government’s commitment to leveraging CPEC projects to promote socio-economic development in Pakistan. He highlighted the importance of timely implementation of infrastructure projects and the effective utilization of resources to achieve sustainable development goals. The minister also emphasized the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation of CPEC projects to ensure their alignment with national development priorities.
The meeting underscored the significance of collaborative efforts between federal and provincial governments, as well as with Chinese partners, to realize the full potential of CPEC initiatives in enhancing Pakistan’s agricultural productivity and addressing water scarcity issues in Gwadar.
