Buzdar, Paul Jones discuss bilateral issues

LAHORE, Nov 26 (APP):US embassy’s Charge d’Affairs in Pakistan, Ambassador Paul W Jones called on Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar here on Tuesday and discussed with him matters of mutual interest.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that multifaceted Pakistan-US relations have expanded over decades. He said the government was committed in transforming Pakistan into a welfare state in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

He said that all citizens, including religious minorities, enjoyed equal rights in the country. Usman Buzdar pointed out that steps have been taken for restoration of historical heritage and added that the Walled City of Lahore Authority had been extended to the whole of the province.

Similarly, an effective tourism policy had been devised and work had been started on Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib in this regard.

The Punjab government was also going to establish nine universities for providing quality higher education to students. In addition to it, nine new hospitals were being established for better healthcare facilities to people.

The CM said that 10 special economic zones (SEZs) would be established in Punjab as the federal government has approved six SEZs while work was in progress on four other SEZs. Usman Buzdar said that the Punjab government was utilising information technology tools and nine incubation centres were being set up to promote e-employment.

The government has also set up public-private partnership authority to encourage investment in the province and the special package has been introduced for development of backward areas, he added.

The chief minister said that 35 per cent development funds had been allocated for southern Punjab while these funds were non-transferable. A feasibility study was also being conducted for construction of small dams in southern Punjab, the chief minister added.

Ambassador Paul Jones said that the US has given special importance to its relations with Pakistan and added that cooperation with the Punjab government would be further promoted.

He congratulated the government for opening the Kartarpur Corridor and said that a positive message has been given to the world thorough the corridor.

US Consul General Catherine Rodriguez, Political and Economic Chief Barry Junker were also present on this occasion along with ACS (Home) and other high officials.