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Suki-Kinari Hydropower; portrayal of joint Belt and Road construction

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BEIJING, June 7 (APP): Suki-Kinari Hydropower project is an accurate portrayal of the joint Belt and Road construction and also the best witness of the historical friendship between China and Pakistan.

In an interview with CEN, Deputy General Manager of SK Hydro, Danish Haseeb Khan said, “I have witnessed the joint efforts of the Chinese and Pakistani employees in Suki Kinari Hydro Private Limited (SK Hydro). Relevant government departments of the two sides have forged ahead with strong cooperation,”.

This spring, along the Kaghan river of Mansehra district in Pakistan, Suki Kinari hydropower construction site was a hive of activity. A variety of large construction machinery and equipment were operating orderly, a deafening rattle came from those machines, and the construction teams were busy in their respective posts.

Suki Kinari hydropower project achieved financial close on December 31, 2016. As one of the biggest private-sector hydropower developments in Pakistan and one of the highest priority early harvest projects within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it is of great significance and is expected to be put into operation
in 2022.

Suki Kinari Hydro Private Limited (SK Hydro), in which China Gezhouba Group holds a majority stake of 98 percent, is developing the project with an estimated investment of US $ 1.96 bln.

Danish has a deep connection with the SK project. When he joined the project in 2005, Mott MacDonald Ltd was conducting a bankable feasibility study on the project.

Danish was then a member of the supervisory team and was responsible for submitting the electricity prices at the feasibility study stage and EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) phase to Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).

In addition, he led the SK Hydro’s team to negotiate with Pakistani government agencies on franchise agreements (power purchase agreement, water use agreement, and execution agreement), and to discuss and finalize the financing plan with relevant banks (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Export-Import Bank of China).

The Chinese and Pakistani teams of SK Hydro have been working together on
this project since 2015. In the process of pushing the financial close, they encountered many difficulties.

SK Hydro organized a children’s painting competition in 2018 among the schools where the hydropower station is located, in which students from grade one to grade five picked up their brushes to depict visions, combine imagination with reality, and explore the unique charm of local culture.

A total of 100 children from 32 schools took part in the event, and 20 children won the prize. In 2019, SK Hydro held an English speech competition in the project construction area. 27 schools participated in the competition and 25 students won the prize.

These activities aimed to encourage local youth to achieve higher goals in life and making positive contributions to the development of Pakistan.

The year 2020 has been a most extraordinary one. In the trying times of the sudden onslaught of COVID-19, the Chinese and Pakistani people reached out to each other.
In Pakistan, the raging pandemic has led to the closure of schools and businesses. To ensure the smooth construction of the project, SK Hydro has worked hard to overcome numerous difficulties including communication and traffic control.

“In March 2020, we distributed food, masks, protective clothing, etc. to needy families in the areas where the hydropower stations are located to help them overcome difficulties. In November 2020, we carried out an activity themed ‘Caring for the Flower of Chin-Pakistan Friendship’, providing over 100 students from 10 schools stationery and warm clothes,” Danish said.

“In early March of this year, we planted 1,500 saplings at the hydropower station to maintain the ecological environment on the Kaghan river. During the pandemic, we provided nearly 5,000 jobs for local residents in Pakistan. We are proud that our efforts have been highly praised by local authorities and residents,” Danish added.

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Aik Qaum, Aik Sath | Pakistan Zindabad | Pakistan Day Song | 23rd March 2024 | AIKQAUM.COM

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Nation celebrates Pakistan Day today with traditional zeal

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The nation celebrates Pakistan Day on Sunday with a renewed pledge to transform the country into a true Islamic and welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The day is observed to commemorate the historic Lahore Resolution passed on 23rd March in 1940, under which Muslims of the Sub-continent set the agenda of a separate homeland for themselves.

The day dawned with thirty-one-gun salute in the federal capital and twenty-one-gun salute in provincial capitals.

Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for progress and prosperity of the country.

The special feature of the day will be Pakistan Day Military Parade in Islamabad on a limited scale at Aiwan-e-Sadr due to the month of Ramadan.

President Asif Ali Zardari will be the chief guest on the occasion.

Contingents from all the three armed forces will actively participate in the Parade.

Fighter jets from Pakistan Air Force will conduct a flypast.

Radio Pakistan and PTV are broadcasting special programmes to highlight the significance of the day and pay tribute to the leaders and workers of Pakistan Movement.

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Pakistan Day: A Reminiscence of the Heroic Struggle of Muslims of the Subcontinent

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Pakistan Day, observed annually on March 23rd, holds a place of immense significance in the history of Pakistan. It marks the passing of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, which laid the foundation for the creation of an independent state for Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. This historic day serves as a reminder of the heroic struggle, sacrifices, and unwavering resolve of the Muslims who aspired for a separate homeland where they could live with dignity and practice their religion freely.

The Lahore Resolution: A Milestone in the Freedom Struggle

The All India Muslim League, under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, convened its annual session in Lahore from March 22 to 24, 1940. On March 23rd, the historic resolution was passed at Minto Park (now known as Iqbal Park), demanding separate states for Muslims in the northwestern and eastern regions of India. This resolution, often referred to as the “Pakistan Resolution,” became the cornerstone of the Pakistan Movement and galvanized Muslims into an organized struggle for their rights.

The Heroic Struggle and Sacrifices of the Muslims

The road to independence was not an easy one. The Muslims of the subcontinent faced tremendous challenges, including political opposition, social hardships, and economic constraints. The demand for a separate homeland was met with strong resistance from both the British colonial rulers and the Indian National Congress. However, the unwavering commitment of Muslim leaders and activists fueled the movement with newfound energy and resilience.

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, through his unmatched leadership and unwavering determination, guided the Muslims towards their goal. He emphasized the importance of unity, faith, and discipline, inspiring millions to rally behind the cause. Countless individuals sacrificed their lives, endured imprisonment, and faced brutal oppression, all for the dream of an independent Pakistan.

The Creation of Pakistan: A Dream Realized

The struggle for independence culminated in the emergence of Pakistan on August 14, 1947. The dream envisioned in the Lahore Resolution turned into a reality, marking the beginning of a new era for the Muslims of the subcontinent. The creation of Pakistan was not just the establishment of a new country; it was the fulfillment of a long-cherished aspiration for freedom, identity, and sovereignty.

Pakistan Day: A Tribute to the Nation’s Heroes

March 23rd is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Pakistan. The day begins with special prayers for the prosperity and security of the country, followed by military parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and cultural events. The highlight of the day is the grand parade in Islamabad, where the armed forces display their prowess, and national leaders pay tribute to the sacrifices of the past.

Pakistan Day serves as a moment of reflection and gratitude. It reminds the nation of the core principles that led to the creation of Pakistan—unity, faith, and discipline. It is also a call to action for the younger generation to uphold the values of hard work, patriotism, and national integrity to ensure a prosperous future for the country.

Pakistan Day is more than just a historical milestone; it is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Muslims of the subcontinent. It is a day to honor the sacrifices of the past and reaffirm the commitment to building a strong and progressive Pakistan. As the nation moves forward, it must continue to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and unity that were at the heart of the Pakistan Movement.

May Pakistan continue to shine as a beacon of hope, strength, and prosperity for generations to come. Pakistan Zindabad!

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