10 February 2004	Tuesday	18 Zilhaj 1424

ISLAMABAD, Feb 9: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali said on Monday that the ongoing mega-development projects in Balochistan will boost the country's economy, and bring about a positive change in the living standards of the people.

Talking to Governor Balochistan Owais Ahmad Ghani, who called on him at the PM Secretariat on Monday, the prime minister said that the Gwadar Port, owing to its strategic location, will emerge as a major hub of economic activity in the region.

He said it will not only serve as a conduit for commerce and trade for countries of the region but would also promote regional economic integration, he added.

The Saindak project, Mr Jamali said has tremendous potential and will generate income and provide employment opportunities. The prime minister said significant emphasis is being laid on bringing the under-developed areas of the country at par with the developed ones.

"Eliminating the sense of deprivation and promoting provincial harmony through economic development and equity is the basic objective of our policies," he added.

The prime minister discussed with the governor matters relating to the province with particular reference to the speedy uplift of the area and improvement in the standard of living of its people. -APP