Maryam greets govt, people of China on 75th National Day

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid special greetings to the government and people of China on their 75th National Day and expressed her best wishes for President Xi Jinping and his colleagues.

She said in her congratulatory message on the start of the Golden Week of celebrations regarding the 75th anniversary of People’s Republic of China, “The people of Punjab share happiness of their brotherly country China. China and Pakistan are ideal neighbours, good friends and valuable partners.”

The chief minister said, “Pakistan-China friendship is an undeniable fact, both at government and people’s levels. China is helping the growth and stability of Pakistan’s economy.” She added, “Pakistan and China are jointly committed to the construction of CPEC.”

She underscored, “China has played an active role in human development at global level and has promoted a vision of building a bright future together.”

Meanwhile, taking notice of an incident of acid attack in Shujahabad, Maryam Nawaz Sharif sought a report from Inspector General of Police (IGP). She directed the authorities concerned to provide best medical treatment to 15-year-old Nouman, the acid attack victim. She also took notice of the protest of visually-impaired people. She directed Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman to resolve problems of visually-impaired people by talking to them. She expressed her sympathies to the police personnel injured in torture committed by some visually-impaired people. She directed to treat visually-impaired people with patience despite torture being committed by them on the police personnel. Some visually-impaired people have staged a sit-in for their demands at Faisal Chowk, Lahore. Also, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on Tuesday respecting elders is part of our beliefs and civilization and it is our duty to take care of rights of the elderly and to create facilities for them that they deserve. She said elders are a reflection of our past, a light for the present and a lesson for the future. In her message on the International Day for Older Persons, she said, “Elders have made our present possible by giving their youthful energies.” She further added, “Elderly people of Pakistan are our true asset, I pay them rich tribute. The life experiences and observations of elders are like a treasure for us.” The chief minister appealed to the citizens to “never forget your elders, rather give them the respect and status they deserve.” She added, “Only those societies rise that value their elders. Government is taking steps for the dignity, welfare and comfort of senior citizens. The Punjab government is improving old homes for senior citizens.”