Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the menace of terrorism is created due to extremism and we will have to promote tolerance, patience and moderation in the society for eliminating this scourge.
He was addressing a high-level meeting held at Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London on Friday. Provincial Minister for Finance Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Education Minister Rana Mashhood and Advisor to Chief Minister Azm-ul-Haq also attended the meeting. Additional IG Counter Terrorism Department Rai Tahir gave a detailed briefing about the policy and steps taken for eradication of terrorism in Punjab.
Sharif said, “We want to make Pakistan such a country, as was dreamed by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.” He said Quaid-e-Azam wanted such a Pakistan where every citizen could lead his life honorably without discrimination of faith, color and creed. He said Quaid-e-Azam had made it clear that every person living in Pakistan should have equal rights and religious freedom but the trend of extremism has distorted this concept of Quaid-e-Azam.
Later, the chief minister visited LGC, a laboratory of international repute in London. Speaking on the occasion, Sharif said special importance is being given to drug testing programme for the protection of public health in Punjab. He said the Punjab government is not only setting up various new laboratories but new legislation is also being carried out in this regard.
CM seeks UK support in education sector: Shehbaz Sharif Friday visited the University of London during his visit to the UK and met the university’s vice chancellor and other education experts.
Talking to the media, the chief minister stated that his visit to the university had been very successful. He said that a detailed discussion was held with different British departments. He added that the idea of reaping benefits from the experiences of the British department regarding school leadership programme was also agreed upon during the meeting. He said this will help in the development of education in Punjab.
Sharif also said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) had also been signed with a British institute which will provide better facilities to the youth for training in areas of skill development. He further added this will open up new job opportunities for skilled and talented youngsters in the international market.
He also requested support in the education department from the vice chancellor of the university during the meeting. He was briefed on the international operation of the university.
Sharif left for UK earlier his week on an official visit. The chief minister has been scheduled to meet important British leaders and head of different departments.
He will discuss the policies to fortify the bilateral ties with United Kingdom (UK) while he will also meet the Pakistanis living abroad.
Sharif stated that UK and Pakistan are enjoying friendly and economic relations. He said his visit will further strengthen the associations with the British government.
