Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi inaugurated Unit One of 1320-megawatt coal fired power plant at Port Qasim in Karachi today. Speaking on the occasion, he said democracy is the only choice for Pakistan to ensure stability, progress and prosperity. The Prime Minister said the government believes in freedom of expression and there is no curb on print and electronic media.

He said the state institutions have successfully defeated terrorism in the country. He said all the institutions are united in their resolve to uproot terrorism from the country. He said the next general elections will be held in 2018. About the power plant, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said completion of Unit One of coal based power plant at Port Qasim in Karachi is a milestone and a symbol of Pakistan-China friendhip. He said the Unit One will generate 660 megawatt electricity, and it has been completed at a cost of two billion dollars in a record time of thirty months which is ahead of its scheduled time. He said the second unit of the plant will also be functional in February next year. The Prime Minister said CPEC will play a vital role in the economic development and progress of Pakistan. He said projects completed under CPEC will provide job opportunities to thousands of unemployed youth of the country.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the Port Qasim power plant is the first project that has been completed under CPEC. Besides, a number of projects in LNG sector have been initiated.