ISLAMABAD, Feb 26: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on Thursday said Pakistan has achieved 14.7 per cent industrial growth during the last six months (July-December), the highest ever achieved in this sector.

The prime minister hoped that better governance in the state sector institutions will improve productivity, provide more job opportunities and alleviate poverty.

He lauded the performance of the ministry of Industries & Production headed by Liaquat Ali Jatoi, under whose supervision Pakistan has achieved 14.7 per cent industrial growth during the last two quarters.

The prime minister appreciated the performance of Pakistan Steel, which has achieved record profits of Rs. 1.7 billion in the last six months as compared to last year's profit of Rs1.3 billion. He urged the management to further gear up efforts for earning more revenue as well as keeping up improvements in quality.

Mr Jamali directed the industries minister to focus more on adding value to the products of Pakistan Steel.