Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has stressed for strong economic ties between Pakistan and Bosnia Herzegovina; there are vast opportunities of investment in Punjab and Bosnia, and Punjab can launch joint ventures in various sectors, including dairy farming.
He expressed these views while talking to Ambassador of Bosnia Herzegovina in Pakistan Armin Limo who called on him (Punjab Chief Minister) here on Wednesday, disclosed an official. Member Provincial Assembly Syed Zaeem Qadri and Chairman Planning and Development Javed Aslam were also present on the occasion.
Talking to the Ambassador, the Chief Minister said Pakistan and Bosnia Herzegovina have close friendly ties and the help extended by Pakistan in the Bosnian war was its moral responsibility. However, he said, the economic relations between Pakistan and Bosnia Herzegovina do not reflect their close fraternal ties and there is a need to cement trade and economic relations between the two countries. "A delegation from Punjab will be sent to International Business Conference to be held in April in Sarajevo, which will open up new avenues of co-operation in various sectors between Punjab and Bosnia Herzegovina," he added.
Ambassador of Bosnia Herzegovina Armin Limo said promotion of economic and trade relations are his top priority and he has visited different chambers of commerce and industry in Punjab for this purpose. He welcomed participation of a delegation from Punjab in International Business Conference in Sarajevo and he said it would promote co-operation between Bosnia and Punjab in various sectors. He said that people of Bosnia Herzegovina are thankful to Pakistan for its help in the war.
Meanwhile, during a meeting with the party workers, the CM said service to the people is the mission of the government and all its policies are aimed at elimination of poverty, ignorance and unemployment from the province and bringing marginalised segments of the society into national mainstream. "Despite the worst-ever flood in the history of the country, shortage of funds has not been allowed to become a hurdle in the projects of provision of basic amenities to the masses and uplift schemes are being executed on priority basis in less developed areas. The Muslim League workers should serve the people with commitment and spare no efforts in the solution of their problems," he added.
According to him, maximum funds are being spent on the progress and prosperity of the people, as only masses have the right over national resources. The historic decision of the Supreme Court regarding the written off loans will leave a positive impact on national economy. The looted money of billions of rupees should be recovered and spent on elimination of poverty, ignorance and unemployment. The Supreme Court's decision has put an end to the plunder of national wealth. The Punjab government has promoted the culture of good governance and transparency in the province and corruption and misappropriation of funds in development projects has been completely checked.
Also, the Chief Minister expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the sad demise of the mother of Opposition Leader in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. In a condolence message, he prayed that may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.