M-1 to promote economic activities, says Premier
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Friday said the newly inaugurated Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway would be a milestone in promoting trade and economic activities in and around the areas. The M-1 (motorway) would greatly facilitate the people besides cutting the the travelling time between Islamabad and Peshawar, he said.
The Prime Minister was talking to a delegation of MQM comprising Minister for Communication, Muhammad Shamim Siddique and Minister for Housing and Works, Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, who called on him here. He appreciated the role of the ministry of communications particularly the National Highway Authority (NHA) for theirefforts in developing and improving the intercity road links.
He said the government is committed to provide better housing facilities to all and is making all out efforts in this regard. The Prime Minister said the government is planning to open new sectors in Islamabad and elsewhere, so that the prices of land could be checked and made affordable for the general public.
He said PML and its allies, including PML (F), MQM, PPP (Sherpao) and BNP Awami would contest the upcoming general election on one platform and expressed confidence that people would vote for them as they have strong candidates, quality programme and good governance to serve the people again for the next term.
He said the government is committed to facilitate free, fair and transparent election in which foreign observers as well as international media are invited to monitor the election process. The upcoming election would clearly demonstrate that PML and its coalition partners represent the most viable option for Pakistan towards continued growth and development which would ensure political stability in the country.
The Prime Minister said code of conduct circulated by the Election Commission of Pakistan and the security code distributed by the interior ministry would help ensure peaceful environment for political activities, before, during and after the general election.
He said the process of reconciliation would continue as it would lead to end the politics of vindictiveness and promote tolerance and harmony in the country. Shamim Siddique apprised the Prime Minister of the performance of his ministry and the projects undertaken, particularly by the NHA in construction and expansion of new roads.
Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan also apprised the Prime Minister of the one window operation, which the ministry of housing is starting soon to facilitate the government employees to get accommodation in an hassle free and transparent manner.