Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that his visit to Turkey has been very successful and resulted not only in bringing the two countries closer but also opened up new avenues of co-operation in different sectors. He said that agreements have been signed with Turkish companies for development of various sectors in Punjab and a practical shape will be given to the agreements expeditiously.
He also issued instructions for setting up special committees for speedy implementation of agreements and said that he will personally review the pace of progress. He was presiding over Turkish visit debriefing meeting at Chief Minister's Secretariat, here Friday. The CM said that Turkey is a sincere friend of Pakistan and wants to help Pakistan in its progress and development. He said that he had during his visit also witnessed a practical display of love and sincerity of Turk leadership and people to their Pakistani brethren. He said that the progress made by Turkey is a role model and due to the hard work of the Turk nation, Turkey has emerged as a strong and robust economy. He said that agreements have been signed during his visit to Turkey for co-operation in bas rapid transit system, solid waste management, security, education, energy and other sectors.
He said that he has impressed upon the Turk brethren that Pakistan does not need aid rather trade and wants to benefit from the expertise and co-operation of Turkey for the uplift of various sectors. He said that Turkey has lent a helping hand for the development of different sectors in Pakistan especially Punjab and measures will be taken expeditiously with the Turkish co-operation for the uplift of different sectors. He said that it is due to the transparent implementation of agreements with Turkey that it is co-operating with Punjab government and the close bilateral ties between Pakistan and Turkey are taking the form of economic and trade relations.
He said that negotiations have also been held with Turk authorities for co-operation in bas rapid transit system and a survey should immediately be conducted for extending the scope of this system to Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan on the pattern of that of Lahore. He said that talks have also been held with Exim Bank for the financing of Lahore Ring Road, Southern Loop and other projects and with Turkish Energy Minister for co-operation in power sector. He said that Pakistan is facing serious energy crisis and measures will have to be taken expeditiously for the uplift of this sector.
Earlier, Secretary Transport informed the meeting about co-operation in bas rapid transit system and e-ticketing, Commissioner Lahore about solid waste management, additional IG Special Branch about security and co-operation in other sectors while Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board briefed about implementation of the agreement regarding establishment of IT university.
Members Provincial Assembly, Chairman Lahore Transport Company, Inspector General Police, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretaries of Finance, Transport, Energy, Mineral, Housing and Education Departments and others were present on the occasion.