Naveed 
On Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif performed the opening ceremony for the 1,200MW Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 C-5 expected to be finished within seven to eight years at a total cost of $3.48 billion.
During his address at the event, the prime minister Shahbaz Shareef focused on the need to complete the project ahead of schedule, taking into account the country’s demand for clean and affordable energy sources.
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PM Shehbaz had witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project between China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas Ltd and Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission on June 30.
Describing C-5 as a significant milestone and a symbol of cooperation between the two countries, he stated that the project would contribute to Pakistan’s promotion of clean, efficient, and cost-effective energy.
CPEC, A full Swing
He mentioned that after a brief pause, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was back in full swing, giving credit to the coalition government and the SPD for their dedicated efforts in finalizing the C-5 agreement.
“Our critics spread baseless rumors that Pakistan was on the verge of defaulting on its sovereign commitments, but we overcame all obstacles in just 15 months,” the premier said.
He highlighted that the International Monetary Fund recently approved a loan program, leading to the transfer of approximately $4.5 billion within 48 hours by brotherly nations Saudi Arabia and the UAE, in addition to $1.2 billion from the IMF.
He recalled that four months ago, the Chinese government and commercial banks rolled over $5 billion to Pakistan.
The prime minister expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their support during Pakistan’s time of need.
Furthermore, he mentioned that Pakistan was granted a discount of Rs30 billion upon his request, reflecting the sincerity between the two countries.
“Until the rich-poor divide, particularly in the education sector, is eliminated, Quaid-i-Azam’s vision of educational rights for all cannot be fulfilled,” he remarked.
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PM Shehbaz stated that there was only one month left for his government, but he was still making efforts to provide maximum relief to the people. He also distributed certificates among accomplished youth in various fields.
