MULTAN, Jul 18 (APP):Commissioner Multan Division Aamir Kareem Khan and Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu called on Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren and Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab Fuad Hashim Rabbani at the South Punjab Secretariat.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and discussing matters of mutual interest. The Chinese Consul General stated that the objective of his visit to South Punjab was to enhance collaboration and expand strategic partnerships. He shared that Chinese companies were actively working in the region to introduce high-quality seeds, which will help boost per-acre agricultural productivity. He further mentioned that joint initiatives in desert farming and mechanized agriculture were being launched to promote modern and sustainable farming practices.
He also revealed that a plan was under preparation to expand the Karakoram Highway, which will significantly improve regional connectivity.
Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Fuad Hashim Rabbani appreciated the performance of Commissioner Aamir Kareem Khan and commended the dedicated and efficient administrative team working under his leadership. He said that beautification and development projects were actively being carried out in all major cities of Multan division.
Commissioner Aamir Kareem Khan highlighted that sewerage was the most critical urban issue facing Multan. He explained that around 500 kilometers of the city’s sewerage lines need replacement, with an estimated cost of Rs. 24 billion. Once completed, the project will resolve the city’s sewerage challenges for the next 20 years. He informed that the proposed plan has already been submitted to the provincial government.
He further shared that the government was making efforts to secure $300 million in funding from the World Bank to address sewerage infrastructure problems in seven cities, including Multan and Rahim Yar Khan.
The Commissioner also proposed establishing a China Town in South Punjab to facilitate Chinese investors and engineers, stating that such a dedicated zone would also address potential security and operational concerns.Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu said that there are no security issues to Chinese or other foreign nationals residing in Multan. He also informed that a comprehensive mega plan for the restoration of historical and cultural heritage in the region is currently under development.
To mark the occasion, Commissioner Aamir Kareem Khan presented a beautiful souvenir to the Chinese Consul General.
Later in the day, the Chinese Consul General visited the shrine of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam, where he laid a traditional chadar at the tomb. He also visited the TEVTA Institute of Blue Pottery, observed various stages of pottery-making, and interacted with skilled local artisans.
