Head of British Department for International Development (DFID) in Pakistan Joanna Reid met Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed ongoing collaboration projects in the province. She appreciated the measures taken by the chief minister for the welfare and betterment of Punjab.
“The Punjab government has displayed excellent performance in education, health, and other sectors as well as the elimination of child labour and protection of the rights of women,” she said.
Joanna Reid said that British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson was very much impressed with the chief minister during his recent visit and appreciated the measures taken for the development of social sectors.
She said that cooperation with the Punjab government will be promoted and all out assistance will be extended in education, health skill development, solid waste management and supply of potable water. Shehbaz Sharif while speaking on the occasion said that DFID is an excellent partner of the Punjab government and joint efforts are being made for the development of education, health and social sectors in the province.
He said that the Punjab government is implementing a comprehensive programme for the provision of modern health and education facilities to the masses. He said that child labour is being eliminated from brick kilns and 54000 child workers have now been enrolled in the schools.
The chief minister said that the children are also being providing free of cost uniforms, books and a monthly stipend.
“A programme has also been set up for the elimination of child labour from auto workshops, restaurants and petrol pump,” he said.
Shehbaz Sharif also said that measures are being taken in the province for the protection of rights of women and special centers are being set up for victims of violence where their grievances will be redressed and necessary facilities will be available to them under one roof.
He welcomed increasing collaboration between the DFID and the Punjab government.
DFID representative in Punjab Ruth Graham, Provincial Ministers Rana Mashhood Ahmed, Hameeda Waheed ud Din, Kh Imran Nazir, chairman planning & development, secretary local government and other officials were also present on the occasion.