ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani directed Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M. Asif Sandila on Monday to encourage recruitment of Baloch youths and to continue the policy of induction of women as officers and sailors into Pakistan Navy.

Talking to the new chief of naval staff, who had called on him at the Prime Minister’s House, Mr Gilani said that Baloch youths should be inducted into navy on the pattern of Pakistan Army which had recruited around 6,000 people in the province.

The prime minister said that navy should set up recruitment centres, educational institutions and hospitals in remote and less developed areas of the country, especially Balochistan, Sindh and southern Punjab.

He said the completion of road between Gwadar and Ratodero would provide connectivity between the port city and the rest of the country and boost trade.

“It will also increase many times operational activities at the port,” he added.

Mr Gilani said the government would continue to extend all possible support to beef up the defence capabilities of Pakistan Navy.

He prised the relief efforts of Pakistan Navy for people affected by heavy rains in Sindh.

“Navy conducted well-planned operations in Sanghar, Tharparkar and Mirpurkhas to save lives in the aftermath of unprecedented rains,” he said.

Admiral Sandila expressed gratitude to the prime minister for reposing confidence in him and said he would spare no effort to come up to the expectations of the nation in the defence of the country.