A high-level delegation of transportation unit of Istanbul’s Metropolitan Municipality headed by Mukremin Kara called on Punjab Chief Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, today.
Ideas regarding upgrading of the traffic system, traffic re-engineering, improved parking plans, traffic planning and cooperation in road engineering in Lahore and other congested mega-cities of Pakistan were discussed in the meeting. While addressing the Turkish delegation, the CM said fraternal relations of Turkish and Pakistani people are turning into fruitful economic cooperation.
He said Istanbul enjoys the best traffic system and their cooperation for improving traffic system in Pakistan was greatly appreciated. The government of Punjab will provide Turkey with all the desired assistance; also, recommendations of Turkish team of experts will be taken under consideration and quick implementation will be ensured. “A good traffic system depicts a well-mannered society, and we need to initiate quick plans to mend the traffic system of all the mega-cities of Punjab, as the smooth flow of traffic saves time and fuel,” he added.
Turkish delegation at this occasion said, “Pakistan is our second home and people over there hold a deep love for Pakistanis.” They assured that all the required cooperation will be granted to the government of Punjab for traffic management.
Provincial Minister Jehangir Khanzada, senior PML-N leader Khawaja Ahmed Hassan, transport secretary, Lahore division commissioner, Lahore mayor and other concerned officials attended the meeting.
In another meeting, CM Shehbaz presided over a meeting in which mining, availability of coals in coal power plant of salt range and other important plans were brought under attention. German consultant, Johann Gotsis, briefed about mining techniques and availability of coal for the project. While addressing the meeting, the CM said that Punjab government was planning to build a coal power plant in salt range.
He directed to devise a detailed plan regarding mining, transportation and other issues within 45 days. He said that Punjab was enriched with vast reservoirs of coal and “we have to move forward in the light of suggestions and recommendations of experts.”
Minerals Minister Chaudhry Sher Ali Khan, mineral secretary, DG mines and concerned authorities attended the meeting.