LAHORE: Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday paid rich tribute to women who had won laurels for the country. In a statement, the CM applauded the Pakistani powerlifters, Saniha Ghafoor and Twinkle Sohail, on winning eight gold medals at the Oceania Pacific Power Lifting Championship in Singapore. While praising their performance, the chief minister said that it was a unique honor of both power lifters to win 4-4 gold medals each. “They have brought glory to their country by winning these gold medals and it is a proud moment for both of them who have achieved a significant position in the practical field by their talent. Saniha Ghafoor and Twinkle Sohail have made the nation proud through their best performance. Achievement of the gold medal in the Power Lifting World Cup was impossible without hard work. Competent daughters of the nation such as Saniha Ghafoor and Twinkle Sohail Naseem are the real pride of the nation. They have proven that Pakistani women are securing significant positions in the field of sports. He wished them for further success in future,” he said. Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow on the death of Fareeda Abbasi, a renowned broadcaster and wife of notable poet Murtaza Barlas. While condoling with the bereaved family in his condolence message, the chief minister prayed that Allah Almighty might bless the departed soul with eternal peace and give patience to lamenting family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude. Published in Daily Times, December 11th 2017.