Punjab CM, WB country director discuss uplift projects

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had a meeting with World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine to discuss the World Bank-funded development projects in Punjab.

Emphasizing the need for early completion of ongoing public welfare projects in the province, the chief minister said: “I will personally monitor the projects.”

Benhassine congratulated Maryam on being elected as the first female chief minister of Punjab. Maryam thanked him for the good words and agreed to continue cooperation with the World Bank to achieve sustainable development in Punjab. She briefed the WB country director about the projects like province-wide solid waste management, Knowledge Park and nutrition for the malnourished children. “The project of providing packaged milk to students in government primary schools is being started soon. The World Bank and other institutions will be welcomed to join this project.”

She highlighted the need for mutual cooperation for smog elimination and air quality improvement. The progress of the WB-funded Punjab Green Development Program and Punjab Cities Program was reviewed. Both also agreed to cooperate in the field of information technology.

Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz on Thursday met Uzbekistan Ambassador Obek Arif Usmanov in which matters pertaining to mutual interests were discussed. The ambassador congratulated Maryam on assuming the office as the first female chief minister of Punjab. The ambassador lauded the vision of PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif on Central Asian trade routes.

Matters pertaining to education, health, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, mutual trade and economic cooperation came under discussion. Promoting exports and imports of garments between the two countries was agreed. Matters with regard to import of the latest agricultural machinery from Uzbekistan to Punjab were also discussed.

Maryam in a meeting with PMLN AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir said the government was bringing innovative projects for sustainable development in Punjab. She said: “600 roads, 5 expressways and 3 motorways will be constructed, repaired and rehabilitated across Punjab.”

Maryam, while taking notice of rape of a Mutakif child at a mosque in Kot Addu, said, “The accused involved in the heinous crime should be given exemplary punishment under the law.” She directed identifying the culprit at the earliest after conducting thorough investigations and sought a report from the IG police.