ISLAMABAD (National Times) The federal cabinet on Thursday approved a proposal seeking to increase the volume of imports through the Gwadar port by 50% in the future.

The cabinet, approving the proposal put forward by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, directed all government departments to route 50% of their imports, such as wheat, sugar, and fertiliser through Gwadar port.

In this regard, a subcommittee of the cabinet will be formed to submit a quarterly report on imports and exports through Gwadar port to the cabinet.

The meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In August, the prime minister issued directives to increase the Gwadar port operations by bringing 50% of all public sector cargo inland by sea through Gwadar port.

The decision has been made to ensure development and prosperity of Balochistan, said the prime minister.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Federal Maritime Minister Qaisar Ahmed Sheikh said the decision to direct public-sector imports through Gwadar aims to improve the port’s functionality and create employment opportunities for the local community.