47. Pakistan Economic Survey 2011-12 - Consultancy Services in ...
47. Pakistan Economic Survey 2011-12 - Consultancy Services in ...
47. Pakistan Economic Survey 2011-12 - Consultancy Services in ...
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Chapter 13Transport and CommunicationsIntroductionThe technological advances <strong>in</strong> globalcommunications and transportation havesignificantly catalysed the emergence of the globaleconomy lead<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>tegration of fragmentednational markets of goods and services <strong>in</strong>to as<strong>in</strong>gle global market. With these rapiddevelopments, regions with adequate means ofcommunications and transportation have growneconomically and those lack<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> these fields havelagged beh<strong>in</strong>d. The availability of an efficienttransport and communications network is a prerequisitefor a mean<strong>in</strong>gful economic cooperationamongst nations, particularly <strong>in</strong> the areas of tradeand tourism for attract<strong>in</strong>g foreign <strong>in</strong>vestment andrealiz<strong>in</strong>g the potential ga<strong>in</strong>s from an outwardoriented trade strategy.Besides human capital (skill and education) astrong efficient and affordable means of transportand communications of the country contributes tothe national economic growth by lower<strong>in</strong>gdomestic production cost, <strong>in</strong>tegrat<strong>in</strong>g markets,promot<strong>in</strong>g economic opportunities and establish<strong>in</strong>gl<strong>in</strong>ks among the people. The transport andcommunications sector generates a large number ofemployment opportunities, and acts as a significanttool <strong>in</strong> the fight aga<strong>in</strong>st poverty. The sector is alsoa major contributor to government’s revenuethrough taxes and duties on its production andimports, fees on ownership and operation ofvehicles and licens<strong>in</strong>g of modern communicationsfacilities.Susta<strong>in</strong>able economic development is dependenton a robust and low cost transport system.Enhanced export competitiveness is alsocont<strong>in</strong>gent upon the efficient performance of thesector. The government is committed toimplement<strong>in</strong>g a comprehensive and moderniz<strong>in</strong>gtransport and logistic sector through cont<strong>in</strong>uousreforms <strong>in</strong> all of its sub sectors. The transportsystem consists broadly of roads, railways, airtransport and ports shipp<strong>in</strong>g services.13.1: Road TransportRoads are the most important segment of<strong>Pakistan</strong>’s transport sector. Roads carry over 96percent of <strong>in</strong>land freight and 92 percent ofpassenger traffic and are undoubtedly the backboneof the economy. The current road network is about260,000 kms cater<strong>in</strong>g to eleven million vehicles ofall types. The Prov<strong>in</strong>ce wise distribution of roads isgiven <strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g Table:Table 13.1: Estimated Length of Roads <strong>in</strong> Prov<strong>in</strong>ces (kms)Years Category Punjab S<strong>in</strong>dh KPK BalochistanGB &AJKTOTAL2007-08 Total 104115 80863 42369 29451 1552 258350Low Type 33864 26301 13781 9579 505 84030High Type 70251 54562 28588 19872 1047 1743202008-09 Total 104114 80863 42369 29452 1552 258350Low Type 32949 25591 13409 9321 491 81761High Type 71165 55272 28960 20131 1061 1765892009-10 Total 105085 81618 42765 29727 1565 260760Low Type 32179 24993 13095 9103 480 79850177
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