PM directs for early completion of Gwadar Port projects Discusses Punjab, KP uplift projects with provinces’ high-ups

ISLAMABAD : Directing to ensure early completion of projects related to Gwadar Port, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the port will become a guarantor of development and prosperity in view of its strategic importance. The Prime Minister issued these directions while chairing a review meeting of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs here on Friday. Appreciating the performance of the ministry, the Prime Minister asked to ensure inter-ministerial liaison and regular consultation with all stakeholders to enable speedy implementation of ongoing and future projects under the ministry. He directed the ministry to give priority to projects that would bring employment, regional development and profit. Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Ali Haider Zaidi told the meeting about the performance of the ministry in the last 22 months. Briefing the meeting about the implementation of the proposed roadmap of blue economy, the minister said that this sector was neglected in the past despite having immense potential in it. He said the present government is formulating a roadmap for the development of blue economy sector. Meanwhile, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Farman and Chief Minister Mahmood Khan called on Prime Minister Imran Khan here on Friday and discussed the overall situation of the province including the development projects. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar also called on the Prime Minister Imran Khan here on Friday. During the meetings, matters pertaining to the Punjab province came under discussion. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the government has announced an unprecedented incentive package for the construction sector aimed at giving impetus to the economic process and to promote various industries linked to this sector. The Prime Minister said this while chairing a meeting of the National Coordination Committee for Housing, Construction, and Development . He said the package will also help materialize the dream of having a house of their own by low income people. He directed all chief secretaries to present an action plan by next week to introduce an online system regarding the construction sector, including the facility of one-window, government permits, and payment of fees. The Prime Minister instructed to utilize information technology at all levels in the construction sector to expedite and simplify the system. He also directed the Finance Division and the State Bank of Pakistan to simplify and expedite the process of provision of subsidy by the banks for the construction of affordable houses for low income people and promote mortgage facility by banks.