American Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale met Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday. Matters of mutual interest and promotion of bilateral relations and cooperation in different sectors especially energy was discussed in the meeting. The chief minister strongly condemned the worst incident of terrorism in California and said that attack on the center for the handicapped is extremely deplorable. He said that people of Pakistan fully share the grief of the families of the deceased persons in California. He said that worst form of barbarism was committed by targeting the centre for the disabled persons in California.
He said that terrorists are enemies of the entire humanity and such elements as target innocent people deserve no leniency. He said that terrorism anywhere in the world is a collective issue and there is a need for concerted efforts to root out this menace.
The chief minister said that Pakistan strongly condemns terrorism in any form. He said there is no room for extremism and terrorism in Pakistan and a setting up a society based on tolerance and moderation is the mission of the government and this noble aim of Quaid-e-Azam will be achieved at any cost.
The chief minister said US-Pakistan relations are multidimensional and will strengthen with the passage of time. He said Pakistan and America are partners in promoting peace, tolerance and restraint and will help each other in the efforts to ensure peace and elimination of terrorism. He said that growing cooperation of America to Pakistan is commendable and the fact that an American company, General Electric has qualified through transparent bidding for three gas-based power projects of 3600 megawatts in Punjab augurs well and will open new avenues of cooperation in future.
He said Pakistan’s economy is rapidly progressing due to which energy requirements are increasing therefore there is a need to promote bilateral cooperation. He said that all citizens have equal rights in Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the government is determined to transform the country into a welfare state in accordance with the vision of the Quaid.
He said that a welfare society can only be established through promotion of tolerance, restraint and moderation. The chief minister also congratulated David Hale on taking up his responsibilities in Pakistan.
US Ambassador David Hale while speaking on the occasion said that America attaches special importance to its relations with Pakistan and close cooperation between the two countries will be continued. He also appreciated the extraordinary performance and tireless efforts of the chief minister with regard to completion of splendid welfare projects in a record period for the people of the province and said that he is serving the masses with commitment and his efficiency is laudable.
The American Ambassador also congratulated Sharif on the success of his visit to Britain. American Consul General Zachary Harkenrider was also present on the occasion.
Meeting: Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a high-level meeting on Friday which offered thanks over the glorious success of Pakistan Muslim League-N candidates in all three phases of local bodies elections in the province.
The chief minister congratulated political team of PML-N and said that this victory is due to the grace of Almighty Allah and the deep love of the masses. He said that people have expressed full confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with the power of their vote. He said that the results of local bodies elections have authenticated the transparency of general elections of 2013 and gave a befitting reply to the elements that were trying to create hurdles in national development and prosperity of the masses.
The chief minister said that the mandate of the people will be honoured and such candidates will be brought forward as the heads of local bodies institutions as are honest and infused with the spirit of public service. He said that newly-elected members of local bodies should devote themselves to the service of the masses. Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Malik Nadeem Kamran, Members National Assembly Hamza Shehbaz, Pervaiz Malik, Senator Saud Majeed, Member Provincial Assembly Mansha Ullah Butt, former MPA Sami Ullah Khan and senior officials were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a high-level meeting to review the progress on the project of mineral reserves in Chiniot.
German expert Dr Jurgen Hartsh gave a briefing on the project.
The chief minister said that economy can be strengthened through benefitting from the mineral resources. He said the Minerals Department will have to pay an active role in accordance with the modern needs. He said that reforms are necessary for the reorganisation of the Minerals Department.
The chief minister directed steering committee to expedite the process of reforms in the department. Provincial Ministers Sher Ali Khan, Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, chief secretary, Planning and Development chairman, minerals department secretary and officers concerned were present.
