Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday has said Pakistan-China relations are touching new heights and economic cooperation between the two countries would benefit the entire region.
He expressed these views while talking to journalists before leaving for China on an official visit.
The chief minister will meet Chinese authorities to discuss projects set in Punjab under the China-Pakistan Cconomic Corridor (CPEC).
He will also hold key meetings to strengthen cooperation in energy, infrastructure and transports sectors.
He said that China has helped Pakistan in every tough situation, adding that the joint projects between the two sides are beneficial for the entire region.
BOXER AMIR KHAN MEETS CM:
Earlier, Shehbaz met renowned boxer Amir Khan in Lahore and asked him to play his part for the promotion of boxing in Pakistan.
During the meeting, the chief minister stated that Pakistanis are talented but lacked facilities and proper guidance.
Praising Khan’s achievement, he said that boxer Amir has made the nation proud.
On this occasion, Khan said that the chief minister has taken positive steps for the promotion of boxing in Pakistan.
RURAL ROADS NETWORK PROGRAMME REVIEWED:
Shehbaz also presided over a high level meeting which reviewed the pace of implementation of the Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads programme.
The chief minister announced to reserve ten percent additional share for the districts of South Punjab under the programme and said that the Punjab government is implementing a policy of balanced development of urban and rural areas of the province.
He said that the government has allocated ten percent additional quota in all its programmes for the development and prosperity of the South Punjab and this decision reflects provincial government’s policy of balanced development.
He said that the programme is a historic project for the progress and prosperity of rural economy and is a good news for rural population.
Shehbaz said that a sum of Rs 150 billion will be spent on the revolutionary programme of construction and rehabilitation of rural roads during the next three years.
He said that the second phase of “Pakian Sarkan—Sokhay Panday” will be started in September and concrete blocks on the edges of roads and speed breakers near populated areas will be constructed in this phase.
He said that the target of construction and repair of roads will be completed speedily in the second phase as well.
The chief minister said that no comprise will be made on the standard and transparency of the programme of construction and rehabilitation of roads.