Head of British Department for International Development (DFID) in Pakistan Joanna Reid met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and discussed ongoing projects with the collaboration of DFID in the province. She appreciated the extraordinary measures taken by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for the welfare and betterment of the people.
She said Punjab government led by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has displayed excellent performance in education, health and other sectors as well as elimination of child labour and protection of rights of women.
She said that unprecedented steps have been taken in the province for the uplift of social sector. Joanna Reid said that British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson was very much impressed with the extraordinary performance of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif during his recent visit and appreciated his leadership for the measures taken for development of social sectors. She said co-operation with Punjab government will be promoted and all-out assistance will be extended in education, health skill development, solid waste management and supply of potable water.
Shehbaz while speaking on the occasion said that DFID is an excellent partner of Punjab government and joint efforts are being made for the development of education, health and social sectors in the province. He said that Punjab government is implementing a comprehensive programme for the provision of modern health and education facilities to the masses.
He said child labour has been eliminated from brick kilns and 54,000 child workers have been enrolled in the schools. He said Punjab government is also providing free of cost uniforms, books and monthly stipend to these children. He said that a programme has also been evolved for elimination of child labour from auto workshops, restaurants and petrol pumps.
Shehbaz said that effective measures have also been taken in the province for protection of rights of women and special centers are being set up for women victims of violence where their grievances will be redressed and necessary facilities will be available under one roof. He welcomed increasing collaboration between DFID and Punjab government. DFID representative in Punjab Ruth Graham, Provincial Ministers Rana Mashhood Ahmed, Hameeda Waheed uddin, Kh Imran Nazir, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretary Local Government and concerned officials were also present on the occasion.