Daily Times

A Senate delegation from Spain called on Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz at the Chief Minister’s Office here on Monday.

During the meeting, the CM discuss the promotion of bilateral relations, trade and tourism between Spain and Punjab. The chief minister said, “Spain is Pakistan’s second largest export partner in the European Union, there are numerous opportunities to increase bilateral trade volume.” An agreement to increase cooperation in the fields like economy, climate change, disaster risk management and environmental pollution was also discussed in the meeting.

Maryam said, “We heartily appreciate Spain’s support for achieving GSP Plus status. Friendly ties with Spain are highly valued and we want to work together with Spain on early warning system, and rescue services to prevent flood damage. We intend to further promote parliamentary diplomacy. We are making Punjab a tourist hub, will welcome Spanish investment in the sector. Aspecial package is being prepared to facilitate foreign investors.”

She said, “We are especially focused on women empowerment. The number of female parliamentarians has increased significantly.”

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed a deep sense of grief over the loss of life and property due to recent floods in Valencia, Spain, and offered her cooperation for the relief, recovery and rehabilitation of victims. She also appreciated the relief package provided by Spain under the flood response plan in Pakistan.

The Spanish parliamentary delegation said, “It is very welcome to have a woman in the post of chief minister.” They added, “Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has been running affairs of the province quite smoothly.” They also mentioned in the meeting a street attributed to Allama Iqbal in Cordoba, Spain.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emphasized the crucial role of parents, teachers, and all segments of society in safeguarding the well-being and protection of children.

In her message on World Day for the Prevention of and Healing From Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Violence, the CM said, “Children are my red line, I will prevent all kinds of violence against them. Children are our future, their protection is our collective responsibility.”

CM Maryam Nawaz said that parents should provide safe environment for children, talk with them openly and take care of them properly, adding that it is sad that some children are victims of abuse, exploitation and violence in society. She highlighted that all types of abuses affect mental, physical and emotional development of children.

The CM emphasized that violence against children has lasting negative effects on their personalities and futures, and assured that concrete measures are being taken to address the issue. She said that Pakistan’s first Virtual Child Safety Center has been established to protect children, and to provide them with timely assistance. She underscored that Child Protection Bureau has also been activated for the purpose. “May Allah help us to ensure children’s sense of security and bright future,” she prayed.

Moreover, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the sad demise of senior journalist, writer and intellectual Khaled Ahmed.

The CM offered sincere condolences and extended her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family. She prayed that May Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in peace.

Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken strict notice of the death of a 3-year-old boy, who fell into an open manhole at Children’s Hospital Lahore.

The CM sought a report from the Secretary Health and said that immediate legal action should be taken against the responsible. She added that an open manhole in a hospital is a criminal negligence.

The CM offered sincere condolences and expressed her heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family.