Daily Times

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif Saturday presided over a meeting to review measures being taken for promotion of education in the province, construction of additional classrooms, installation of solar panels at schools and provision of stipends to girl students under the Khadim-e-Punjab Schools Programme.

The chief minister gave approval for installation of solar panels in schools in southern Punjab in the first phase.

He directed the authorities concerned to expedite work on installation of solar panels at the schools. He directed the steering committee constituted for the purpose to hold meetings fortnightly to complete installation of solar panels as early as possible.

The chief minister said that Punjab government had increased the monthly stipend to Rs 1,000 for girls studying in sixth to secondary classes in southern Punjab and a sum of more than Rs 5 billion rupees had been earmarked for the programme.

He said that construction of additional classrooms at schools would help provide better educational facilities to male and female students. He said that high standard should be maintained in construction of additional classrooms at
all costs.

The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmed, Punjab Education Foundation chairman, secretaries of C&W, finance and energy departments and other officials concerned.

Meanwhile, A high-level Austrian delegation led by Ambassador Dr Brigitta Blaha called on Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday.

Matters pertaining to mutual interest, including promotion of bilateral relations and extending cooperation in different sectors were discussed during the meeting. The Austrian delegation showed its interest in extending cooperation in hydropower projects, especially small hydropower projects and electricity production from solid waste.

The ambassador invited the chief minister to visit Austria and praised measures taken by the Punjab government for women uplift in the province.

The chief minister expressed desire to extend trade and economic ties between Pakistan and Austria. He said energy projects were being completed throughout the country, including Punjab.

He said that first turbine of Bhikki Gas Power Plant near Sheikhupura would start generating electricity next month. He claimed that projects were being completed in a transparent manner by the incumbent government.

He said that there was a tremendous potential of foreign investment in mini hydropower projects in Punjab. “Investment and cooperation in these small hydropower projects from Austria will be welcomed,” he said adding that Punjab would like to benefit from the expertise of Austria for generation of electricity through solid waste. The chief minister also directed to set up a committee to promote cooperation in this regard.

The envoy extended sympathies over recent incidents of terrorism and condoled with the heirs of those martyred in terror attacks.

Cooperation will be extended to the Punjab government in small hydropower projects, she added. Provincial Minister for Planning and Development Malik Nadeem Kamran, energy secretary and other officials were also present on the occasion.