ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has stressed the need for taking extra care of environmental protection during urban development and construction activities in the country.

Chairing the weekly meeting of National Coordination Committee on Housing, Construction, and Development in Islamabad, he said the construction sector is playing a pivotal role in strengthening country's economy and in creating job opportunities.

The Prime Minister directed to take all possible steps to protect green areas.

He expressed the hope that provincial governments will take maximum advantage of extension in incentives in the construction sector.

Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa briefed about the master plan of 11 major cities of the province.

It was informed that master planning is underway for eight locations in the tribal districts.

It was told that 242 billion rupees have been allocated for urban development projects in the current financial year.

Meanwhile, chairing a meeting of the Apex Committee on Economic Outreach in Islamabad, the Prime Minister emphasized on chalking out a long term plan for import substitution and increasing exports to make Pakistan self reliant.

He said international best practices need to be adopted for priority sectors and consultations with international experts is essential for achieving success.

The Prime Minister also stressed upon the need to enhance inter-ministerial coordination and public-private partnership for increasing exports.