ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday said Pakistan considered the United States as an important partner and wished to further strengthen relations with it. The PM stated while talking to US Ambassador David Hale who called on him in Islamabad. The PM said Pakistan wishes to further strengthen the existing relations. David Hale congratulated Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on assuming the office of PM and expressed the desire to enhance bilateral cooperation. Later while talking to Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri in Islamabad on Thursday, the Prime Minister said that Balochistan being the largest province had been given the highest priority by the present government. He said this was evident from the CPEC projects for Balochistan, including Gwadar Port, extensive road networks and socio-economic uplift schemes. “Our government is focusing on improving law and order in the province, which has paid dividends in the form of accelerated development. All resources are being utilised to bring Balochistan at par with other federating units,” he said. The PM said he would visit Balochistan in next couple of days to review development projects and law and order situation. The CM assured full support in carrying forward the development agenda of the government. PML-N MNAs from Bhawalpur Division call on PM: A delegation of PML-N MNAs called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. The MNAs briefed the PM regarding development schemes of their respective constituencies. The PM advised the MNAs to work with full dedication for resolving problems of the citizens as PML-N was committed to public service. The PM stated that the government was focusing on development of Southern Punjab and directed the Prime Minister’s Office to immediately release funds pertaining to electricity and gas schemes in particular and other schemes in general for the region from SDG Funds. “I will personally monitor progress of development schemes and MNAs from the region can contact me anytime for resolution of public grievances,” the PM said. PM reconstitutes CCI: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday reconstituted Council of Common Interests (CCI). A statement issued here from Prime Minister’s House said that Prime Minister Abbasi had reconstituted the CCI. It added that chief ministers of all four provinces, minister for inter-provincial coordination, minister for industries and productions and finance minister would be members of the council. The council will be chaired by PM. Published in Daily Times, August 18th 2017.