The landmark 15-year LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) deal signed earlier this year with Qatar would go a long way in helping Pakistan overcome its energy crisis, Pakistan’s President Mamnoon Hussain said in Doha yesterday.
“The gas purchased from Qatar will contribute to a number of energy and development projects currently underway in Pakistan,” he told a gathering of Pakistani expatriate community in Qatar.
These ventures together with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), improving security situation and the local mega projects for power production would transform Pakistan into an economic hub in the region.
Highlighting the Qatar-Pakistan LNG deal, President Hussain said its benefits were already visible. The first terminal for LNG import from Qatar was already operational; the second was under construction while two more were in the pipeline.
“Utilising this LNG from Qatar and the upcoming mega power projects, Pakistan plans to add 10,500 Mega Watt of electricity to the grid in another year or so. We will be able to eradicate load-shedding completely by 2018,” the president informed the audience.
With fast improving security situation and the “most lucrative foreign investment opportunities in the region” Pakistan has become “a heaven” for both foreign and local investors.
Referring to Qatar’s deal with Pakistan for purchasing a number of Super Mushshak basic flight trainers jets earlier this year, President Hussain said defence production was one of the areas in which Pakistan has made significant progress in the last few years.
“I have offered to Qatar, as to many other friendly countries, joint ventures with Pakistan in this field. They will be able to establish their own production in the future,” said Hussain. The Pakistani president said he was touched by Qatari hospitality.
“This is my first visit to Qatar as president. I have met leaders of Qatari government and their sincere love and affection towards Pakistan and its people has impressed me. I would want you to further strengthen these friendly relations between the two countries with your good conduct,” President Hussain urged the gathering.
The high-tea reception hosted by Pakistan embassy in Qatar allowed more than 250 prominent members of Pakistani community coming from different walks of life to meet the president.
As he arrived, President Hussain shook hands individually with all the guests before proceeding to join Pakistan ambassador Shahzad Ahmad on the podium.  
“You are ambassadors of your country here. I would want you to showcase exemplary behaviour, obey the local laws and project Pakistan’s positive image,” the president told his compatriots.
He said Pakistan has gone through difficult times, facing a flurry of problems such as economic downfall and terrorism. The National Action Plan involving action against militancy devised by the present government has however helped in considerably eradicating terrorism.
“We have almost eradicated the menace of terrorism and this government will continue to fight until we completely eradicate terrorism from Pakistan,” said the Pakistani president.
“I always say Pakistan has suffered its share of troubles. From here on, it will only prosper,” added the president, raising his fist in the air.
CPEC, he said, is a project that will benefit not just Pakistan but the entire region from Central Asian States to Afghanistan and India. A key link of CPEC, Pakistan’s Gwadar port will be operational in two months. The government is also planning to build the country’s biggest airport there.
“With a chain of highways and railways lines going through Pakistan under CPEC, the country is set to become a hub of economic activity in the region; and it would benefit everyone,” said President Hussain.
He urged Pakistanis not to be distracted by any rumours about the alleged change of CPEC route. “Rest assured, there is not an inch of change in the route. Do not listen to the detractors. CPEC will equally benefit every part of Pakistan,” said the president.
He invited the people of Pakistan to come forward and fulfil their individual contribution towards the project as “the country’s future was attached to it.”
President Hussain started the first day of his two-day official visit by interacting with school children at Pakistan Education Centre (PEC) in the morning. He was given a tour of the school by principal Nargis Raza Otho and he later spoke to a group of students and faculty.
“I specifically wanted to visit the school during my trip. Educating our younger generation, particularly girls, is vital to Pakistan’s growth and development. I was impressed by the talent children have showcased here,” President Hussain told the audience.
The students of PEC staged colourful performances to highlight the cultural diversity of Pakistan besides showcasing their co-curricular prowess.

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