Pak to build road tunnel to link NWFP with China

The Pakistan Government has decided to construct a new road tunnel in the countrys North West Frontier Province (NWFP) to link Pakistan with China and other Central Asian states.

Islamabad, Aug 27 : The Pakistan Government has decided to construct a new road tunnel in the country's North West Frontier Province (NWFP) to link Pakistan with China and other Central Asian states.

Sources said that a 4.5-kilometre long tunnel will be built.

The project called the Malakand Road Tunnel, would cost Rs 8.8 billion, and would provide an alternate economic route from Pakistan to Central Asian states, including China, through Afghanistan.

They said that the Communication Division would comprehensively brief the Planning and Development Division, the provincial government and all concerned departments during a Central Development Working Party (CDWP) meeting scheduled for today.

The CDWP will give a concept clearance of the project.

Pakistan wants better economic relations with Central Asian countries, and this road link is one step in this direction.

The CDWP meeting is also expected to approve five health related projects, the Daily Times reported.

ANI