RAWALPINDI, June 10: President General Pervez Musharraf on Friday ordered simultaneous completion of the Gwadar Deep Seaport and related infrastructure facilities by June 2006 so that the country’s largest development project starts contributing to the economy from the outset of its operation.

The president issued the directive at a meeting held here to review the progress of work on the project.

“It is imperative that an integrated approach is adopted to put in place all facilities for launching large-scale business activities at the port by June 2006. This will spur economic growth and help the country realize its geo-economic potential as a hub of regional trade,” he emphasized.

He directed the authorities to ensure provision of water, electricity, housing, telecommunication facilities and road network connecting Gwadar to the main arteries of the country and onward link to trading centres of Afghanistan, Iran, China and Central Asian states.

The president said that a fully-operational Gwadar port would bring an era of progress for local people as it would generate jobs and attract investment from all parts of the country and abroad.

“The enormous development will help reduce poverty as skilled, semi-skilled and professionals will get new openings and it will also bring the local people better health and education facilities at the grassroots level.”

In his remarks, Prime Minister Aziz said the government was committed to making finances available for in-time completion of the project.—APP