The Australian high commissioner, Neil Hawkins, met with the additional chief secretary of South Punjab, retired Captain Saqib Zafar, at the South Punjab Secretariat in Multan on Monday. Politica Secretary Mairi Robertson (Mairi Robertson) also accompanied the high commissioner. On this occasion, the additional chief secretary said that the South Punjab Secretariat was established to speed up the pace of development in this region, and in the last two years, there has been a lot of speed in the construction of infrastructure. He said that the South Punjab Secretariat played a leading role in the relief and rescue operation following the flood caused by the recent rains. Apart from this, the monitoring of the administrative secretaries improved public service delivery. Mr Zafar said that unique steps have been taken in the health and education sectors. He said that this region was also playing an important role in meeting the food needs of the country. He added that South Punjab has a great historical and cultural heritage, and this region has great potential from the point of view of tourism. He said that the Cholistan Desert Rally has gained recognition all over the world. He took a deep interest in the workings of the South Punjab Secretariat and highly praised the establishment of a transgender school in Multan. He said that Australia is providing assistance in researching hybrid seeds in Pakistan while solving the problem of salt water in South Punjab. On this occasion, the additional chief secretary also presented a commemorative shield to the Australian High Commissioner.