Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain on Tuesday discussed progress on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Afghan reconciliation process. They also discussed overall law and order and economic situation in the country, Zarb-e-Azb and the Karachi operation.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who called on President Mamnoon here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, exchanged views on matters of national importance, a press release issued by the President’s office said. The prime minister briefed the president on policies and decisions of the government on different issues. They also reviewed the Zarb-e-Azb operation and the law and order situation in Karachi. Both the leaders expressed satisfaction at the successes achieved and resolved that the operation would continue till elimination of the last terrorist from the country.

Expressing satisfaction at the pace of implementation of CPEC projects, the duo hoped that the completion of these projects would be a game changer not only for Pakistan but for the entire region also. The two leaders agreed that this landmark project would benefit the whole country, including all regions. The president noted with appreciation that the prime minister and his economic team have revitalised the national economy through sound policy initiatives and the two resolved to pass on the benefits of the improved economic situation to the common man. They reiterated their commitment to lay greater emphasis on the health and education sectors for betterment of the people. Both the leaders emphasised upon timely completion of the ongoing power generation projects to get rid of the malaise of load shedding from the country.

The prime minister also briefed the president on his foreign visits and various agreements and memorandums of understanding signed therein, including the recent LNG deal with Qatar. He also took the president into confidence regarding making the state enterprises profitable and service oriented.

Premier Sharif also apprised the president about holding of the census and they hoped that the exercise would be beneficial in policy formulation and judicious allocation of national resources for development of the country. Both the leaders reviewed the regional situation and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to have friendly relations with all the neighbouring countries for peace and prosperity in the region. The two leaders underscored the need for national unity and cohesion in order to confront and overcome the challenges being faced by Pakistan and put the country on the path to progress and prosperity.