Frontier Works Organization (FWO), today's most versatile and vibrant construction firm, was established on 31 October 1966 to carve out an all-weather land link across crags and crevices of the highest mountain ranges of the world, the Karakoram Highway - recognized as Eighth Wonder of the World. It was towards the completion stage of KKH that the Government realised the tremendous potential of FWO for carrying out civil engineering projects in difficult and inhospitable areas and decided not only to retain FWO, but also to expand its tentacles across the country.
HISTORY
Since its inception FWO has left its imprints, bringing prosperity to utterly deprived and backward areas from the simmering plateaus of Balochistan to the treacherous mountains of FATA and from the deserts of Sindh to snowcapped Siachin. Over these years, FWO has played a leading role for the development of communication infrastructure including roads, railway lines and airfields, building of dams, canals and barrages, thermal and hydelpower projects, tunnelling and mining, telecommunication, construction of residential & industrial units and proved its unmatched qualitative and quantitative potential.
FWO has completed challenging mega projects in FATA such as Gomal Zam Dam, Nahakki Tunnel and the Central Trade Corridor linking Afghanistan. Western Route of CPEC has been further connected with Afghanistan at Ghulam Khan and Angoor Adda through development of Central Trade Corridor in FATA. Along Eastern Route of CPEC, Lahore - Islamabad Motorway has been rehabilitated and modernized on BOT basis while Karachi - Hyderabad Motorway shall be completed during this year.
In Balochistan, FWO has completed 878 km road network to connect Gwadar with Chaman and with Indus Highway to operationalize China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Some of the mega accomplishments of FWO include Makran Coastal Highway, Rehabilitation of Sukkur Barrage, Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad-Chilas Road, Skardu & Wana airfields, Lyari Expressway, Lahore-Sheikhupura-Faisalabad Road, Lakpass Tunnel, Shalamar Interchange, Rehimabad and Habibabad Flyovers, Lodhran-Khanewal Railway Track, New Islamabad International Airport etc. FWO took part in overseas ventures as well. Clearing of Kuwait minefields after the 1st Gulf War in 1991 and Construction of Road from Torkham to Jalalabad in hostile and precarious security environment and construction projects in UAE are its leading overseas ventures.
FWO's 51 glorious years portray the growth of a small but dedicated workforce into the largest construction organization of the country which has demonstrated its competence in diverse fields of infrastructure development. In execution of projects, FWO remains committed to its motto, 'Striving for Excellence' with integrity and sincerity and takes pride in cultivating the culture of quality work at no extra cost. FWO at time faces certain challenges due to its strict adherence to the code of ethics, yet unflinching resolve has earned it the respect of the clients.
CURRENT PURSUIT
Currently FWO has strategic reach at national level with ability to execute diverse construction projects. It has specialized in undertaking challenging projects under difficult and hostile conditions. FWO is currently executing projects worth Rs. 1190 Billion. It has a workforce of about 5000 direct and indirect employees who are committed in delivering quality projects within stipulated timeframes. FWO over the years has also diversified itself. The workforce that once consisted of road engineers only, now is a blend beautifully balanced to undertake civil engineering projects of hydro & thermal power, railways, airports, tunnels and irrigation sector. FWO's dedicated workforce has suffered many casualties in execution of projects.
The organisation is committed towards the uplift of national infrastructure whatever the odds may be. FWO is the pioneer of 'Public Private Partnership' projects in Pakistan and several ventures under PPP mode are being implemented throughout the country. FWO's experience of past in multiple fields, its flexible organization, large work force, pool of state-of-the-art machinery and reputation of quality construction in stipulated time-frame qualifies it to be the first choice for any client. With an illustrious track record, FWO looks forward to greater challenges and stands better equipped and organized than ever before to meet them. FWO's 'Joint Ventures' with multinationals on projects both inland and abroad is a reality with number of projects acquired in UAE. Being the pioneers of Public Private Partnership in Pakistan we are undertaking mega projects under Built Operate and Transfer (BOT) to accelerate the pace of development in the homeland.
DISATER MANAGEMENT
FWO has always played a pivotal role as first responder to various national disasters and emergencies. May it be rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts after 2005 Kashmir earthquake or project of lowering of Attabad lake and opening up of KKH, FWO's efforts to bring relief to disaster hit areas has been commended at all levels. Cognizant of the national obligations, FWO has always promptly responded to all calamities and disasters, and shall remain prepared for any such eventuality in future as well.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES (CSR) OF FWO
FWO is establishing medical / free medical camps, educational and water facilities along all major projects as a CSR initiative. FWO is presently managing Construction Technical Training Institute (CTTI) at Islamabad and FWO Institute of Technical Education (FITE) at Risalpur to meet technical organizational needs as well as to impart technical training to the youth. FWO has established General and Technical Education System (GATES) institutes along CPEC routes and a National University of Technology and Skills Development (NUTECH) has been conceptualized to introduce the concept of basic to higher education in the field of technology and skills development for the first time in Pakistan. FWO Model School system is also a hallmark in the domain of CSRs. Recently established Model School at Dumba Goth on Karachi-Hyderabad (M-9) Motorway Project and 2 Army Public Schools and Colleges (APSCs) at Chaklala Rawalpindi and Multan where the students are being educated with the sophisticated pedagogical methodologies. FWO is also focusing on health and medical sector to meet the true norms of CSR. The establishment of Trauma Center at Dumba Goth (M-9 Project) is an excellent example of FWO's approach towards better facilities for the rural and urban population.
MINERAL EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION (MEDO)
In order to explore enormous mineral potential, a special 'Mineral Exploration and Development Organization' was created in FWO during 2015, which has successfully completed pilot project in FATA. Requisite technical expertise has been developed to undertake strategic mining. In our further drive towards diversifying range of FWO pursuits, we have planned to enter into coal and strategic mining. FWO aims to develop requisite technical expertise in coal and mineral exploration, resource estimation and the development & economic exploitation of these resources through use of innovative technologies. Work on Copper & Gold mining has already commenced in FATA. Negotiations are underway for mining of Molybdenum, Copper and White Marble in GB. Acquiring of Reko Diq in Balochistan is also on cards. Granite mining at Nagarparkar, Sindh has commenced.
FUTURE PURSUITS & INITATIVES
FWO, being the leading infrastructure development organization is cognizant of need for strategic development plan and corresponding responsibilities. Besides implementation of CPEC projects entrusted by the government, FWO has conceived and planned projects of immense national significance to capitalize on the enormous opportunities through PPP and BOT Regime. CPEC connectivity through railways and pipeline is critical for efficacy and viability of the corridor. To transform the CPEC National game changer into a physical domain, Gwadar to Kasghar connectivity through Pipeline and Railways is critical beside development of Industrial Zones. FWO in its capacity is vigorously pursuing multi sectoral initiatives in synchronization with its socio-economic imperatives. Pursuits and initiatives in the context of strategic development plan are as under:-
Road Infrastructure
FWO is maintaining Karakoram Highway since its construction in 1978. However, FWO has enhanced its capacity and kept the Khunjrab Pass opened during winters for the first time in history to keep the CPEC functional round the year. Construction of strategically important Gilgit to Skardu road has been commenced along with construction of new bridges. Down from Northern Areas, FWO is playing a central role in development of Western and Eastern Routes of CPEC. FWO is also developing one package of Hakla - D I Khan Motorway that constitutes part of CPEC Western Route.
Railway Infrastructure.
FWO is working in close harmony with Pakistan Railways. Numbers of Railway Projects are being pursued at various levels on BOT Basis. Most important is the Dedicated Freight Corridor along ML-2 to carry anticipated freight traffic of 80 million tons per annum. In a phased undertaking, the corridor will extend from Karachi and Gwadar to Kashagar, which would eventually link GCC Railway Network and New Eurasian Bridge.
Petroleum Sector.
In order to contribute in petroleum sector, FWO has planned and proposed various projects. First project is development of Oil Village along M-2 with a capacity of 60,000 MT. Work on this project has already commenced. Project to connect the Oil Village with Bin Qasim Port through White Oil Pipeline is in advanced stages of approval. The Pipeline shall also be further extended to Tarujaba in KPK where 35000 MT storage facility shall be developed. In future, this pipeline would be extended to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Other mega project is Gwadar-Kashgar Cross Country Oil Pipeline on Design, Build, Finance, Own and Operate Basis. This oil pipeline shall reduce the distance.
Water & Energy Security.
FWO has assumed a lead role in harnessing water potential. FWO is currently undertaking Kurram Tangi Dam in FATA and Jagran-II Hydro Power Project in Kashmir. 3 HPPs in Chitral and 1 HPP in Naran is being awarded to FWO. RFP for Mohmand Dam has also been submitted. FWO has planned and proposed development of Indus Cascade in Joint Venture with various Intl Firms to harness water and power potential. Proposals are at various stages of approval with the Government. Draft frame work agreement for Diamer Bhasha Dam with WAPDA is underway to acquire along with international / local JV partners.
Industrialization.
Industrial sector is also being focused to provide a firm base for a stable economy. FWO, in collaboration with KPK Govt, is setting up an Oil Refinery in KPK with capacity of 30,000 Barrel per day. FWO is also setting up a cement manufacturing plant of 50,000 MT per day capacity at Haripur. Selection of quarry site is already done and acquisition of land is in process. FWO along with Port Qasim Authority intends to develop a Bitumen Storage at Port Qasim Terminal. Storage capacity for the bitumen would be 8,150 MT per day, with future expansion to 10,650 MT per day. Facility will also cater for the bitumen consumption of the country. Some of the other industrial initiatives include Steel Manufacturing Plant at Chakari, E-Cars / Motorcycles Manufacturing Plant at Karachi, Dump Truck Manufacturing Unit and bridge joints and bearing pad factory at M-2.
Development of Infrastructure for Industrial Base.
FWO has formulated a comprehensive plan for development of Industrial Zones, Smart Cities and direly needed logistic infrastructure along M-2, M-9 and Pak China Dedicated Freight Corridor. Accordingly, number of Smart Cities along M-1 and M-2, Industrial Zones, Container Terminals, Grain and Fuel Storage Facilities and Ware Houses are planned. Similarly 8 Smart Cities, 10 Oil Storage Facilities, 10 Industrial Zones and 15 Dry Ports are planned along Freight Corridor.
CONCLUSION
On its 51th anniversary since its inception, FWO with an illustrious track record, looks forward to greater challenges and stands better equipped than ever before to meet them. FWO's Joint Ventures' with multinationals on projects both inland and abroad is already paving ways for promising future. During course of last 50 years, FWO has sacrificed hundreds of precious lives by virtue of working in harsh climates and difficult terrain. FWO will never forget these sacrifices and owe present success to its Shuhadas. List of achievements and national contributions swells each year and with growing expertise in almost complete spectrum of civil engineering works, FWO is humbled by its success over the years. Without the immense blessings and guidance from Almighty ALLAH, all this would not have been possible.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017