Lahore: Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that the country was on track of progress and it was due to decisions taken through consensus by the civil and the military leadership. “We have achieved tremendous successes in war against terrorism. There is no room for any terrorist or fanatic outfit to operate in Pakistan. They are an enemy of all of humanity,” he said. He was speaking to Ambassador of France in Pakistan Martine Dorance during a farewell meeting. Earlier, the chief minister paid rich tributes to the French Ambassador for rendering invaluable services for promotion of mutual cooperation between the two countries and said that her services for the enhancement of Pak-France relations were praiseworthy. “You have worked hard for enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and my good wishes will be with you in future as well,” he added. He said Pakistan and France enjoyed cordial relations, however, there is still a need for strengthening ties in the economic domain. “Punjab offers a conducive atmosphere to investors. French investors should benefit from the opportunities available in the province,” he said, “The provincial government shall provide every possible facility to investors.” Sharif said his party had set a new record by saving billions of rupees in development projects through its emphasis on transparency and speedy completion of projects. He said terrorism was an international issue. Pakistan is committed to completely eradicating terrorism from its soil. “We have given maximum sacrifices in war against terrorism. Pakistan has lost thousands of its brave men and women in the war against terrorism, including officers and jawans of armed forces and the police,” he said. The French Ambassador congratulated the chief minister over completion of energy projects in record period of time and said that the speed with which energy projects were being completed in Pakistan was an example for others to learn from. She also praised provincial government’s efforts at introducing far-reaching reforms in infrastructure, education, health and other social sectors leading to improvements in the quality of life of the people. Separately, the chief minister constituted a committee to investigate reported leak of medical schools entry tests. The additional chief secretary was made convener of the six-member committee. While, Additional IG (Special Branch) Dr. Eice Muhammad, the FIA director general, Punjab Forensic Science Agency director general and the CMIT member are other members of the committee. The committee has been asked to review the matter and present a report to the chief minister within 72 hours. Speaking to a delegation of PML-N leaders, Sharif said the party’s agenda was to ensure economic development and prosperity and this could not be materialised without the uplift of marginalised strata of the society. He said the provincial government was following a policy of developing all areas of the province and for this purpose development projects were projects in southern districts were being completed on priority. The chief minister said the government was following a policy of merit. “Those deserving will be given rights due to them,” he said, “We have promoted austerity in the public sector and used funds saved in mega projects to promote welfare of the people,” he said. Sharif said his party would canvass for votes in the next general election on the basis of its performance during its five-year term. Published in Daily Times, August 24th 2017.