The United States Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale and Consul General in Lahore Zachary Harkenrider met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and discussed matters of mutual interest, promotion of bilateral ties and cooperation in various sectors including energy. The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatimi and other U.S. diplomats were also present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister said relations between America and Pakistan are multidimensional and it is hoped that they will further improve in the days come. He said terrorism is an international issue and cannot be countered by any country alone; collective efforts are needed for rooting out the menace of terrorism. Big powers should understand the problems of the countries facing terrorism, he added.
Shahbaz Sharif said the present government is determined to make Pakistan a welfare state in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and equal opportunities are available to all citizens including minorities in the country.
The U.S. Ambassador and Consul General appreciated speedy development activities in all sectors in Punjab under the leadership of Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and also commended the measures for elimination of child labor and protection of the rights of brick kiln workers.