Manama: Infrastructure projects worth hundreds of thousands of dinars are being initiated in remote areas of Pakistan by its nationals living in Bahrain.

They will include a hospital, irrigation pumps, six pharmacies, a bridge and maintenance of mosques and road networks in Karori in Mansehra district.

The Bahrain chapter of the Board of Investment Pakistan (BOIP) has estimated the projects to cost up to BD700,000, which will be funded by the Pakistani government and the community.

“The estimated budget is between (BD500,000 and BD700,000) and we visited the area in May with a team from the BOIP,” said the board’s investment councillor Khan Mohammed Tanoli.

“We are hoping to start work within three months and expect to finish it at the earliest and then move on to other such areas in Pakistan. 

“Karori is a place that doesn’t even have a hospital and we have some commitments towards
our homeland.”

Reports in Pakistani media suggested that work on a 40-bed charity hospital in Karori had already started.

However, Mr Tanoli told the GDN the project was altered following problems with land allocation.

“Last year we had planned a small hospital with an aim to provide free health services to people in this area,” he explained.

“However, there were some issues with the land proposed for the project and we had to find another land, which is now in a prime location in Karori.

“Moreover, we have decided to go ahead with a plan to have a speciality hospital with gynaecology facilities instead of the earlier plan of a small hospital.

“Apart from this, we have plans to set up mini-irrigation units in houses, six dispensaries across the area, maintenance of mosques, roads and also a bridge. 

“The project will be supported by the community in Pakistan and the Pakistani government, while the role of the expatiate community in Bahrain will be to oversee the project.

“We don’t expect to raise any funds from Bahrain, but if anyone is willing they can contribute.”

Mr Tanoli was part of the delegation that accompanied His Majesty King Hamad on a historic first official state visit to Pakistan last year.

A series of agreements and memoranda of understanding between the government and private agencies in both countries were signed.

raji@gdn.com.bh