Karachi Circular Railway project to be initiated this year: CM Murad

KARACHI: Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday said that foundation stone of the Karachi Circular Railway will be laid down in the last quarter of the year.

Addressing a seminar on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said that that CPEC was not merely a road stretching from China to Gwadar, as the entire economic activity of the country would be dependent on it.

Instead, he said that the ‘One Belt, One Road’ project will connect around 64 countries as envisioned by Chinese Preside Xi Jinping. However, he said that the  crucial and most vital role will be played by Gwadar.

CM Murad said that there was an imperative need to connect the CPEC road network with Karachi. He thanked the federal government for including the Karachi Circular Railways, Keti Bandar project, and Dabeji industrial zone in CPEC.

He said that efforts have been expedited to remove encroachments from the track of the Circular Railway and that people were been compensated. However, those who encroached since the last two years will not be provided any compensation.

He said that Sindh produces seventy percent gas, and is making efforts to address the energy problems. He recalled the role of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who strengthened relations with China.