Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed to expedite work on development projects as these would increase economic activities and create employment opportunities for youth.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting of his economic team and reviewed progress of various development projects being completed with the funding of international institutions.

The Prime Minister directed that work on development projects, especially those being funded by assistance/funding of international institutions, should be expedited. He also directed that his office should be regularly updated about the progress of development projects and the Prime Minister's Office should be contacted in case of any hindrance.

The meeting was informed a growth of 09 percent in remittances was witnessed from the UK, Canada, Australia and Malaysia. The meeting was informed that more increase in remittances is anticipated.

The Ministry of Finance and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) submitted various proposals to the Prime Minister for further increase in the remittances which included continuation of existing policy, according to which those banks which post 15 percent growth in remittance would be given one rupee against every dollar.

The proposals also included to facilitate opening of bank accounts of Pakistanis going abroad and utilize the Post Offices service in delivery of foreign remittance to domestic destinations ?

The Prime Minister directed his economic team to finalize the proposals with regard to incentives to achieve further growth in remittances and these should be completed within one week so that they could be implemented.

The meeting discussed incentives to increase remittances, rehabilitation of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), promotion campaign for Pakistan Banao Certificates abroad, progress on development projects being implemented with the assistance of international agencies and rehabilitation of loss-making entities.

Former finance minister Shaukat Tarin informed the meeting that project of welfare organization, Akhuwat, for colleting eatables from houses to distribute them among the needy is being given the final shape.

The Special Assistant for Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar gave a briefing to the Prime Minister about provision of ration cards in the tribal areas. She also gave briefing to the Prime Minister about various projects of Ehsas Programme.

The meeting was also attended by Minister for EAD Hammad Azhar, Planning Minister Asad Umar, Minister for Power Omer Ayub and others.