Follow Turkeys role model, CM tells officials

Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif said on Friday that his visit to Turkey had been very successful and resulted not only in bringing the two countries closer but also opened up new avenues of cooperation in various sectors.
Presiding over the Turkish visit debriefing meeting at the CM’s Secretariat, he said that agreements have been signed with the Turkish companies to develop different sectors in Punjab. He issued instructions to set up special committees to implement the agreements.
Members Provincial Assembly, Lahore Transport Company chairman, inspector general police, Planning & Development chairman, Finance, Transport, Energy, Mineral, Housing and Education departments’ secretaries, Punjab Investment Board vice chairman, Lahore commissioner and district coordination officer, Punjab Information Technology Board chairman and other officials concerned were also present at the meeting.
The CM said that the progress made by Turkey was a role model for Pakistan. He said that agreements have been signed during his visit to Turkey for cooperation in bus rapid transit system, solid waste management, security, education, energy and other sectors. He said he had told the Turks that Pakistan did not need aid but desired trade and cooperation.
Discussing the bus rapid transit system agreement, the CM said that a survey should be conducted to extend the system to Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan, on Lahore’s pattern. He said that talks were also been held with Exim Bank for the financing of Lahore Ring Road, Southern Loop and other projects
He said further that talks had been held with the Turkish energy minister for cooperation in the power sector. He directed a team comprising the Energy, Mines & Minerals secretary and others to visit Turkey and explore the possibilities of cooperation in hydel and coal power generation.
He appreciated the efficiency of Turkish police and said that full benefit will be taken from its cooperation and expertise for the capacity-building of Punjab police and detailed discussions have been held in this regard. He said that the departments concerned should complete the preliminary work by January 15 for the speedy implementation of the agreements.
Earlier, the Transport secretary informed the meeting about cooperation with Turkey in the bus rapid transit system and E-ticketing, the Lahore commissioner briefed about solid waste management, additional IG Special Branch about security and cooperation in other sectors while Punjab Information Technology Board chairman briefed about the implementation of the agreement regarding the establishment of an IT university.