A high level delegation of the working group led by special representative of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Liu Guangyan met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday to discuss matters of mutual interest, promotion of bilateral relations and projects under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Ambassador Liu Guangyan conveyed a special message of Chinese prime minister and foreign minister to the Punjab chief minister. The meeting also decided to ensure speedy implementation of CPEC projects.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that investment by China in Pakistan under China Pakistan Economic Corridor was a great gift and 180 million Pakistanis would not forget the trust exhibited by the Chinese president, prime minister and its government.
He said that work had started expeditiously on the projects under CPEC in Punjab and other cities of Pakistan. Sharif said that he was personally monitoring the progress of CPEC projects. He said that the Punjab government had taken special measures to ensure a conducive and safe atmosphere for the Chinese investors.
The chief minister said that CPEC projects are a milestone in the stability of economy and provision of job opportunities to the masses. He said that CPEC projects are a game changer in removing the shortage of electricity.
Referring to the challenge of terrorism being faced by the country, Sharif said that war against terrorism is the battle for the survival of the country and that the whole nation is determined to root out the menace of terrorism. He said that more than 50 thousand Pakistanis had been martyred in the war against terrorism. He said that officers and jawans of Pak-Army, police and people from all walks of life had rendered unprecedented sacrifices in this war. He said that Pakistani nation is determined to rid the country of terrorism and extremism at any cost. He said that the Punjab government had set up a special counter-terrorism force which had been trained in a highly professional manner. He said that the goal of progress and prosperity of the country could not be realized without defeating terrorism. Sharif said that that the elimination of this menace was also necessary for the promotion of investment, provision of education and health facilities and creation of job opportunities.
Expressing his views on this occasion, Ambassador Liu Guangyan said that the Chinese president acknowledged untiring efforts the Punjab government in overseeing the CPEC projects. He said that the Chinese foreign minister had also sent a message of good wishes for Sharif. Liu Guangyan said that Chief Minister Punjab had taken effective steps for providing safe and conducive atmosphere for the Chinese investors in the province.
The ambassador said that work on CPEC projects would be carried out jointly ensuring high quality and speed. Chinese Consul General in Lahore Yu Born and senior officials of the various Chinese ministries were also part of the delegation. Kh. Ahmed Hasaan, inspector general police, home secretary, additional chief secretary energy, secretary energy and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.