CM Usman Buzdar, Chinese delegation discuss CPEC projects

LAHORE :A 36-member business delegation led by President China-Pakistan Friendship Association (CPFA) and former Under Secretary General of the UN Mr Sha Zukang called on Chief Minister Usman Buzdar here Tuesday.

According to a handout, during the meeting, both discussed matters of mutual interest, including promotion of Pakistan-China relations and CPEC related projects and it was agreed to promote bilateral cooperation under the CPEC. Talking on this occasion, the chief minister said that China is the most trustworthy and sincere friend which has always sided with Pakistan in every hour of trial.

Usman Buzdar expressed the satisfaction that bilateral relations are further strengthened during the PTI government, adding that continuous contacts are essential to promote the relations. He assured that Chinese investment would be welcomed and investors would be given every possible facility. He said that public-private partnership (PPP) authority had been established to promote private investment in the province and Chinese investors could take benefit of projects launched through PPP mode. Mr Sha Zukang said that CPEC had given new heights to Pakistan-China relations and added that the cooperation was being strengthened with every passing moment. The CPEC is a flagship programme of road and belt project while the people are interlinked with each other through the bonds of mutual respect. Pakistan is another home for the Chinese people and every possible step will be taken to promote cooperation with Punjab in different sectors, he added. Advisor Dr Salman Shah briefed about the steps being taken for the promotion of investment and ease of business in Punjab. US Ambassador Mr Paul Jones called on Chief Minister Usman Buzdar here Tuesday and discussed matters of mutual interest. Talking on this occasion, the chief minister said that multifaceted Pakistan-US relations expand over many decades. He said the government was committed to transforming Pakistan as a welfare state in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He emphasised that all the citizens, including the religious minorities, enjoy equal rights. Prime Minister Imran Khan is striving to develop a new Pakistan where everyone has equal access to facilities of life. Pakistani leadership is moving towards achieving the goals of a new Pakistan and a welfare agenda, aimed at public welfare, is being implemented by the government, he said. Usman Buzdar pointed out that steps had been taken for the restoration of historical heritage and added that the Walled City of Lahore Authority had been extended to the whole of the province. Similarly, an effective tourism policy has been devised and work has been started on Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib.

The Punjab government is also going to establish nine universities for providing quality higher education to the students. In addition to it, nine new hospitals are being established for giving better healthcare facilities to the people and this would add 9,000 beds.

Ten special economic zones will be established in Punjab and the federal government has approved six such SEZs while work is in progress on four other SEZs, he added.

Usman Buzdar said that Punjab government was fully utilising information technology tools and nine incubation centres were being set up to promote e-employment. The government has also set up public-private partnership authority to encourage investment in the province and the special package has been introduced for the development of backward areas, he added. The chief minister said that 35 percent development funds had been allocated for southern Punjab and added that these funds were non-transferable. A feasibility study is also being conducted for the construction of small dams in southern Punjab, the chief minister added. Ambassador Paul Jones, on this occasion, said that America gives special importance to its relations with Pakistan and added that cooperation with Punjab government would be further promoted. He congratulated the government for opening the Kartarpur Corridor and said that a positive message had been given to the world. US Consul General Ms Catherine Rodriguez, Political and Economic Chief Mr Barry Junker was also present on this occasion along with ACS (Home) and other high officials.

TAKES NOTICE

Usman Buzdar has taken notice of molestation of a girl in Jhang and sought a report from the RPO. He ordered provision of justice to the affected girl and strict legal action against the accused. He directed to provide best medical facilities to the affected girl.

ORDERS PROBE

Usman Buzdar has taken notice of incident occurred with Saraiki poet Mehboob Tabish in Taunsa and sought a report from Commissioner and RPO DG Khan within 48 hours along with the direction to take legal action against the responsible persons.