Pakistan to finalize Karakoram Highway project with China during April visit

April 09, 2025 (MLN): A delegation of financial and technical experts, led by the Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA), is set to visit China in April 2025 to finalize the terms for the implementation of the highly anticipated Karakoram Highway (KKH) project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The information was shared during a high-level progress review meeting on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Islamabad on Tuesday, which was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal. 

The meeting reviewed the progress of various ongoing projects under CPEC, as directed in the Minister’s previous meeting.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fast-tracking the KKH project, terming it a time-sensitive strategic project due to the construction of the Diamet Basha Dam.

The forum was apprised that the fourth meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Agricultural Cooperation is scheduled for April 22, 2025.

A delegation from Pakistan will travel to Beijing to participate in the session. First batch of 300 Pakistani agriculture experts will proceed to China on April 15, 2025, for training in modern agricultural techniques.

During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the delay in the distribution of agricultural tools and equipment under the CPEC socioeconomic development grant.

The Minister issued strict directions to the Food Security Ministry to ensure immediate distribution of the agricultural equipment to process on a fast-track basis.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal directed to take immediate steps for operationalization of the desalination plant in Gwadar.

He directed the relevant authorities to take urgent action to resolve the issue within the current week and ensure that the plant becomes fully functional at the earliest.

Furthermore, he directed the Ministry of Power to guarantee an uninterrupted electricity supply during the summer season to  Gwadar city.

While reviewing the development of CPEC Special Economic Zones managed by FIEDMC and SIEZMC, the Minister underscored the importance of formulating a targeted marketing strategy aligned with current global trends.

He emphasized the need to actively work on a competitive tariff regime, especially in light of recent tariff implementations by the United States, and urged relevant departments to enhance marketing efforts aimed at attracting the reallocation of the industries.

He stressed that the speed of development must be accelerated and efforts intensified to facilitate the relocation of foreign companies to Pakistan by offering them world-class facilities.

The meeting was further informed that three key meetings of the Joint Working Groups—Industrial Cooperation, Gwadar, and the Long-Term Plan—will take place in April as part of ongoing CPEC engagements.

The Minister Ahsan Iqbal reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China through the effective and timely execution of CPEC projects, which remain central to Pakistan’s economic transformation.

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