ISLAMABAD, Nov 8: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has underlined the need to improve and expand the network of roads and highways to boost trade and economic activities in the country.

According to a press release, the prime minister stated this while attending a briefing given by the National Highway Authority (NHA) chairman, Maj-Gen Farrukh Javed, at the Prime Minister’s House on Saturday.

The prime minister said an effective and reliable communication network was the key to economic development, adding that the government should continue its effort in this regard.

Mr Jamali was briefed on the National Highway Improvement Programme and realignment of Faisalabad-Multan Motorway (M-4) project being launched in collaboration of the World Bank.

The ministry of communication secretary, Iftikhar Rashid, was also attended the briefing.

Meanwhile, the chief of Millat Party and leader of the National Alliance, MNA Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari, called on Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali at the Prime Minister’s House on Saturday.

During the meeting, both the leaders reviewed the political situation and decided to continue cooperation between their respective parties to strengthen democratic institutions in the country.

On the occasion, the MP chief assured his all-out support to the government.

Meanwhile, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, an MNA from Rahim Yar Khan, also met the prime minister here on Saturday.

Talking to the MNA, the prime minister said equal amount of development funds were being provided to the parliamentarians belonging to both the treasury and the opposition. This fact alone speaks volumes for the government’s sincerity in pursuing the development schemes irrespective of political considerations, he added.