Sharif, Rahmon’s Murree talks focus CASA-1000, infrastructure projects

MURREE, Nov 13 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon on Friday held a second round of exclusive talks here, agreeing on the early implementation of CASA-1000 and infrastructure projects between their countries.
The follow-up meeting of the Thursday’s one-on-one and
delegation level talks took place at the Murree’s picturesque
Governor House, that focused on the supply of electricity from
Central Asia to Pakistan on priority basis besides timely
construction of road links.
The two leaders were briefed about the Central Asia South
Asia-1000 project.
Under the master agreement of CASA-1000, a transmission line
would reach Pakistan originating from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
while passing through Afghanistan. Surplus electricity is available
in the Central Asian countries owing to abundant hydropower
resources.
Prime Minister Sharif said import of electricity from
Tajikistan under the CASA-1000 would help Pakistan overcome its
electricity shortage.
The two leaders expressed resolve to work together to meet the
timelines for transmission of electricity to Pakistan.
President Emomali Rahmon in a joint press stakeout Thursday
had extended invitation to Prime Minister Sharif to attend the
inauguration of CASA-1000 project in Dushanbe next year, which was
accepted by the latter.
Chairman National Highway Authority Shahid Ashraf Tarar
briefed the Tajik President on different infrastructure projects
showing options of connectivity between Pakistan and Tajikistan.
Both the leaders gave in-principle approval of three road
routes connecting Pakistan and Tajikistan. These include the Gwadar-
Peshawar-Kabul-Kunduz-Dushanbe route, Khunjrab-Kalasu-Murghab route
and Chitral-Eshkhahim-Dushanbe route.
Prime Minister Sharif said regional connectivity with
Tajikistan and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would
transform the economic outlook for the entire region and would prove
to be a game changer.
President Rahmon appreciated the ongoing infrastructure
projects of Pakistan and said Tajikistan would extend full support
for the implementation of the proposed projects.
Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq
Fatemi gave presentation to the Tajik President on the issues
relating to regional security.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif (minister-in-waiting), Finance
Minister Ishaq Dar and PM’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz
were present.
From Tajikistan side, Foreign Minister Sirojidin Aslov,
Minister for Internal Affairs Ramazon Rahimzoda and President’s
Assistant on Foreign Affairs Erkinkhon Rakhmatullozoda also joined
the briefings.