CM Punjab, British HC discuss matters of mutual interest

British High Commissioner Philip Barton met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, here on Monday and discussed matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations and promotion of co-operation in health, education and other social sectors. The British HC strongly condemned the Peshawar tragedy and expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of innocent children and teachers.
The CM said that the terrorists who killed innocent children displayed worst kind of savagery and this act of barbarism has been strongly condemned in Pakistan as well as the whole world.
He said that terrorists will be eliminated completely with the force of unity and solidarity and awarded exemplary punishment.
He said that menace of terrorism is a big hurdle in the way of national progress and prosperity and war against terrorism will continue till complete eradication of terrorists from the country.
He further said that Pakistani nation has become united to root out terrorism and extremism and all political and religious parties have shown exemplary unity and unanimously agreed on National Action Plan against terrorism.
Shahbaz said that more than 40,000 Pakistanis have sacrificed their lives in the war against terrorism and these include officers and jawans of armed forces, police officials and common citizens.
Shahbaz stressed upon the need for promotion of trade and economic ties between Pakistan and Britain and said that Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with Britain. He said that various programmes are continuing successfully in Punjab in education, health and skill development sectors with the co-operation of British Department for International Development (DFID).
He said that education is an effective weapon against extremism and terrorism, therefore, Punjab government is paying special attention to the uplift of education sector.
He said that state-of-the-art Daanish Schools have been set up in backward districts of the province where modern educational facilities are being provided.
He said that employment opportunities have been provided to youth through skills development programme and the scope of this programme is being expanded. Similarly, he said, a programme is being successfully implemented with the co-operation of DFID regarding public health especially mother and childcare.
He said that Punjab government wants to expand co-operation with Britain for the uplift of social sectors.