ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said growth in construction activities will strengthen Pakistan's economy and provide employment opportunities to the people.

He said this while chairing weekly meeting of National Coordination Committee on Housing Construction and Development in Islamabad today.

He directed Punjab government to approve applications for construction as per prevailing laws as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister also directed Pakistan Telecommunication, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority to work with the State Bank of Pakistan to resolve issues related to the construction sector at the earliest. He stressed on public awareness regarding Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme.

On the occasion, the Governor State Bank informed the meeting that the banks are ensuring the provision of facilities to the people for obtaining loans under the Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme.

He said that for the convenience of the people, special desks will be set up in 50 percent branches of banks in all the districts of the country.

The Chief Secretary Punjab briefed the meeting that applications for construction work on 44 million square feet have been received from all over the province and approval for construction on 20 million square feet has been given.

He said commencement of construction work on 44 million square feet in Punjab will start economic activities worth about one trillion rupees.

The Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa informed the meeting that so far applications for construction on six million square feet have been received. He said it will generate one hundred billion rupees' economic activity in the province. NNI