QUETTA, May 18: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has said that Gwadar port will play a vital role in making Pakistan economically sound.

Talking to the leaders of different political parties of Balochistan here on Sunday night, he emphasized the importance and strategic position of Gwadar, saying it would serve as a link between the East and the West.

“We have to focus on projects which can contribute to our economic development to the maximum,” Mr Jamali said.

He said the project would give a welcome fillip to economic activity and help improve the quality of life of Balochistan’s people.

He said he believed in consultation with the political leadership on all important national issues, and would be ready to remove any apprehensions or reservations about the Gwadar project.

“My government believes in consultation and nothing will be imposed on the people against their will,” the prime minister remarked.

At the end of the two-day consultation process with the local leadership, it was decided that rules will be devised for the protection of Gwadar’s inhabitants and a supreme body would be constituted comprising representatives of the federal government, provincial government and the local government.

The prime minister said the Gwadar port would step up trade and development activities, generate employment and help attract investment.

Mr Jamali said the project was for the benefit of our future generation, and maximum advantage could be extracted if all segments of society fully contributed to its successful completion.

About preparing the youth of Balochistan to meet the ever-increasing demand of skilled and educated people, the prime minister assured his government’s fullest support in training the youth of the province at all levels.

For this purpose, the federal government would provide all facilities, including scholarships and admissions to the best institutions of the country.