Pakistan lauds US role in socio-economic sector

Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood and the government of Pakistan is promoting mutual harmony and tolerance in accordance with the principles of Islam. Punjab Chief Minister, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, stated this while addressing a function held in connection with Independence Day of America, here on Friday.
Lauding the US American co-operation in socio-economic sector in Pakistan, the CM said that American people waged a historic struggle for independence and laid the foundation of a modern civilisation in the world. He said that Pakistan and America have deep-rooted friendly relations.
Pervaiz Elahi maintained that government is giving top priority to the promotion of education sector in the province and one million more girl students have enrolled in schools due to educational programme of the government. He said that primary healthcare, educational programme of the government is also functioning successfully and has been very well received at international level.
The CM averred that our Holy Prophet (SAW) had laid great stress on seeking knowledge and the government is making all out efforts for the promotion of education in the light of teachings of Islam. He said that there is no room for violence in Islam, as it is a religion of peace.
He said that the government is taking solid measures for ensuring respect and dignity of teachers in the society. He said that special programmes for economic progress have been initiated in the province in accordance with the Vision-2020 and one million job opportunities are being generated annually for the elimination of unemployment.
He said that promotion of private sector is an important feature of government strategy while modern infrastructure is being provided for the promotion of investment as well as raising the living standard of the masses and efficiency of government departments has been improved to attain the objectives of good governance.
The Chief Minister congratulated American people on their Independence Day and hoped mutual relations between Pakistan and America would strengthen. On the occasion he said that the opportunities of co-operation in economic, social and trade sectors would further increase.
Principal Officer of American Consulate Brian D Hunt said that he was happy to celebrate Independence Day in Lahore and said that this day is a milestone with regard to upholding of fundamental rights and supremacy of law.
He said that as the founders of America had waged an epic struggle for independence, similarly Pakistan came into being due to the dynamic leadership and commitment of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. National anthems of both the countries were played on the occasion. Later, the Chief Minister Punjab cut a cake to mark the Independence Day of America.
Provincial Minister for Education Mian Imran Masood, Minister for Environment Dr Anjum Amjad, Minister for Information Technology, Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Labour Rana Qasim Noon, Minister for Health Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal, Chief Secretary Punjab Salman Siddique, Inspector General Police Punjab Ahmad Nasim, Director General Protocol Mushtaq Hamdani, Honorary Consul General of various countries in Pakistan and other prominent personalities were also present on the occasion.