PM Authorizes Right-Sizing Committee to Shut Down CPEC Authority

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has authorized the right-sizing committee to shut down the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority, the Senate Standing Committee on Planning was informed on Wednesday. Secretary Planning Commission briefed the committee that the ministry had recommended the Prime Minister’s Office to abolish the CPEC Authority. The PM then authorized the right-sizing committee to oversee the termination process. The Senate committee raised concerns over the slowing progress of CPEC projects due to poor government policies. Member National Highway Authority (NHA) said Chinese officials are particularly concerned about the political uncertainty in the country, which is impacting CPEC’s progress. The meeting was further informed that the construction of the Hyderabad to Sukkur M6 Motorway will be included in CPEC, with the total cost estimated at Rs. 400 billion. Pakistan is set to cover 40 percent of the project’s costs, with final approval pending after the next Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting.