Saudi Arabia a time-tested friend

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said Saudi Arabia was a time-tested friend of Pakistan and had stood by it through thick and thin.

Talking to media-persons here at the Allama Iqbal International Airport on his return from the holy land, he said Saudi Arabia had always stood by Pakistan during natural calamities and to face diplomatic challenges.

The chief minister said he was extended great hospitality by the Saudi leadership.

He regretted opposition's propaganda about his Saudi Arabia's visit and rumour-mongering about NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance). To a query, he said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and discussed regional peace and matters of mutual interest.

Shehbaz Sharif said US President Donald Trump's statement on financial assistance to Pakistan was irresponsible and against diplomatic norms. President Trump's allegations were serious, and all political parties should put their personal interests aside and get united in the national interest, he added.

From the airport, the chief minister rushed to the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) to pay a surprise visit. He inquired after the health of patients and asked about the medical facilities being provided to them.

The patients expressed their satisfaction over the treatment facilities.

He also visited different sections of the hospital.

Later, the chief minister inaugurated PKLI Link Road, which linked the kidney hospital with the nearby villages and areas of the city.

In his interaction with journalists on the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif said the link road was constructed by the Lahore Development Authority in 20 days.

The chief minister said the provincial government had spent Rs1.5 billion on the health facilities. The PKLI would become a role model hospital in the field of kidney-disease treatment in the region. He said the best possible treatment was being provided to the patients free of cost at the PKLI.

He said the second phase of the PKLI would be completed by March 23 this year. The kidney transplantation would be possible at the PKLI after the completion of second phase, he added.

To a question, he said the country was passing through critical phase of its history. All political parties must rise above their differences and interests and unite in the larger interest. "Pakistan cannot afford internal instability," he added.

To a query, Shehbaz said the military leadership had thwarted all conspiracies against the country. The people would unitedly defeat all internal and external aggression against the country, he added.