ADDRESS BY THE WORTHY PRIME MINISTER AJ&K ON COMMERCIAL CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY FOR THE UMBRELLA PROJECT OF MCDP, BCDP &RCDP IN ISLAMABAD (14^TH FEBRUARY, 2009)

•         Minister for Kashmir Affairs

•           Members of the Azad Kashmir Cabinet

•           His Excellency, Chinese Ambassador

•           Deputy Chairman ERRA

•           Distinguished Guests

•           Representatives from Media

•           Ladies and Gentlemen

Assalam-u-Alaikum

     Many thanks to God Almighty with whose blessings we are today signing Commercial Contract with two leading construction companies from China regarding Umbrella City Development Project for Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawalakot at a total cost of 353 million US Dollars.

 The main objective of this project is reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged public infrastructure in three earthquake affected cities in a modern manner.

 Government of Pakistan, ERRA & SERRA authorities and Government of China deserve appreciation for getting this deal finalized at term and conditions acceptable to all stakeholders.

 We all have been waiting for this blessed day.  It is now hoped that physical works will be completed efficiently within given time frame.

 I hope this mega project will help make daily life in these cities comfortable by providing the people with modern civic facilities.

 I am sure this Project by converting three earthquake affected cities into Modern Towns will further   reinforce brotherly ties between China and Pakistan.

 On this significant event, I take opportunity to assure all possible support from AJ&K Government for both Chinese Construction Companies in the project areas.

 Ladies and Gentlemen,

 At the end,  I again extend my thanks to the Government of Pakistan, ERRA, SERRA and our Chinese friends for providing our people a hope to see, very soon, three altogether new and modern cities in AJK as a proof of “  Build Back Better Approach”  and a dream come true.

                                   Thank you very much.