A 5-member British Parliamentary delegation led by Roger Gale met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, here on Wednesday. The Chief Minister apprised the delegation of the war against terrorism, law and order in the province, training of police on modern lines, measures for uplift of education, health and other sectors and the powers delegated to the provinces under 18th constitutional amendment.
Deputy Speaker Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Members Provincial Assembly Zaib Jaffar, Shahzadi Umarzadi Tiwana, Dr Saeed Elahi, Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar, Chairman Planning and Development and Secretary Health were also present on the occasion. Talking to the British parliamentary delegation, the Chief Minister said that Britain has always supported democracy in Pakistan and is one of the major investors in the country.
He said that Britain has extended invaluable co-operation and assistance in the development of Pakistan and its role for democracy in Pakistan is highly appreciable. Commenting on law and order situation in the country and the war against terrorism, he said that Pakistan is passing through the most critical phase of its history and is facing the serious challenge of terrorism. He said that Pakistan is fighting its own war against terrorism and the aim of national progress and prosperity or investment in the country cannot be achieved without elimination of this scourge.
He said that the whole nation is united in the war against terrorism and reshaping history with its sacrifices. He said that besides Pak-Army, police, law enforcement agencies and the common people, including children of army officers have also embraced martyrdom in the war against terrorism. He said that despite limited resources, the government is attaching top priority to root out terrorism and maximum resources are being provided to law enforcement agencies. He said that in order to improve the efficiency of law enforcement agencies and maintenance of law and order, a security board has been established while a separate department has also been set up for curbing terrorism.
Similarly, he said, Elite Force is being imparted training on modern lines. He said that project of setting up of the most modern forensic lab of South Asia in Punjab is in the final stages of completion and this lab will be of great help in tracing out terrorists and elimination of crimes. He said that like other departments, all recruitment in police department have also been made purely on merit so that only competent persons could be selected for the protection of life and property of the people.
The Chief Minister further said that promotion of social and economic activities and equitable distribution of resources is of vital importance for the elimination of terrorism. He said that an average of 200 to 550 patients is benefiting from this facility daily.
He said that in addition to setting up model villages in the flood-hit areas, Daanish schools equipped with the latest facilities are also being established for the poorest students of the backward areas. He said that the only difference between the prestigious educational institutions and Daanish schools will be that while the children of poor families cannot get admission in the leading institutions of the country, the students of rich families will not be able to enrol in Daanish schools.
He said that DFID is extending commendable co-operation in livestock, health, education and other sectors in Punjab while US AID is also assisting in education sector and improvement of civic amenities. Referring to RGST, the Chief Minister said that economy can be improved through solid measures for the elimination of corruption, curtailment of non-developmental expenditure, reformation of tax machinery and introduction of a strict accountability system.
He said that with regard to the powers delegated to the provinces after 18th constitutional amendment, a cabinet committee has been set up in Punjab. He said that 18th amendment has been approved with consensus. The leader of British delegation Roger Gale said that Britain and Pakistan have historical relations and the parliamentary delegation is on a visit of Pakistan to review measures for further co-operation with the country. He also appreciated the steps taken by Punjab government for the welfare of the masses. The delegation included Yasmin Qureshi, Kevan Jones, Andrew Stephonson and Secretary CPA Andrew Tuggey.