Daily Times

LAHORE: Corps Commander Lahore Lieutenant General Amir Riaz called on Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar at his office on Friday.

During the meeting, different matters of mutual interest and professional activities of Pakistan Army came under discussion. The Punjab chief minister paid tributes to the Armed Forces on the wonderful display of national unity and cohesion during Defense Day and arranging a spectacular ceremony and added that whole nation has shown its immortal love and affection with the beloved motherland by celebrating Defense Day with full fervour and zeal. The political as well as the military leadership have given a unanimous message to everyone that Pakistani nation is fully united for the defense and prosperity of the country, he added. He said that this wonderful passion and enthusiasm shows that Pakistani nation can face every challenge. The Punjab CM also paid tribute to the brave officers and jawans of the Armed Forced that had sacrificed their lives for defending the country and added that “we all are thankful to these martyrs whose immortal sacrifices have brought peace in the country. The families of these martyrs are our own and they will not be left alone. The nation is proud of its brave Armed Forces and the political and military leadership is united and we will make every sacrifice for Pakistan.”

Chinese Consul General Long Dingbin also called on Punjab CM Sardar Usman Buzdar at his office.

He congratulated Sardar Usman Buzdar on becoming the CM and extended good wishes to him. Various matters of mutual interest including promotion of Pakistan-China relations and further expansion in bilateral cooperation in China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects came under discussion and both agreed to further increase cooperation in future.

Sardar Usman Buzdar said that China was the most trustworthy friend which has fully sided with Pakistan in every hour of trial.

“We are thankful to China for investing in Pakistan especially for the launch of CPEC projects,” he added.

He said that we desire to further promote cooperation with China in CPEC and social sector initiatives, adding that Chinese cooperation in construction of low-cost houses, provision of clean drinking water, sanitation and improvement of social sector will be welcomed.

“We have to fulfill the public welfare agenda by promoting economic cooperation and will jointly move further for the provision of basic facilities to the deprived areas including health and education,” he said, adding that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government will further strengthen relations with China and Pakistan and China will move further side by side in the journey of development and prosperity.

The Chinese consul general said that their good wishes were with Usman Buzdar and China will further promote cooperation in different sectors with the Punjab government. He said that Pakistan-China relations are evergreen and the launch of CPEC has given a new boost to these relations as CPEC project is an important point in Pak-China friendship.

He said that CPEC projects were being completed speedily and cooperation with the Punjab government will continue in future as well. The Chinese consul general also invited the CM to visit China.

Members of the royal family of Bahrain including Sheikh Ahmed Bin Ali Abdullah Al-Khalifa congratulated Buzdar on becoming the CM.

In his letter of felicitations, he extended good wishes to the CM. The letter was presented to the CM by Pakistani Bahrain Friendship Society General Secretary Rana Abdur Rasheed and Gulf Chamber of Commerce & Industry Office-Bearer Sheikh Sajid. Dera Ghazi Khan District Counil Chairman Sardar Javed Iqbal Qaiserani was also present on the occasion.

Buzdar was invited to visit Bahrain and was stated that his ability to serve the masses was beyond any doubt.

“May Allah Almighty help you guide and serve the people,” it was written. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Ali Abdullah Al-Khalifa said that Bahrain is “your second home and we are ready for every possible cooperation with Pakistan”. The CM accepted the invitation. He also thanked Pak-Bahrain Friendship Society and Gulf Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Separately, on the directions of Buzdar, Lahore police arrested accused Adnan and Kamran involved in torturing women.

The police are also conducting raids to arrest the other two accused. A case has also been registered in Batapur Police Station in this regard.

Member of National Assembly Sardar Jaffar Khan Leghari called on Buzdar at his office on Friday.

The CM said that solid steps will be taken for public welfare according to the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and hard work will be carried out to implement 100 days agenda.

Published in Daily Times, September 8^th 2018.