News
Monday, June 07, 2010
CM urges EU to promote economic ties with Pakistan
* Shahbaz says provision of pollution-free atmosphere and positive recreational facilities will be ensured
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif has urged the European Union to promote its historical and traditional relations with Pakistan.
Addressing a reception hosted in his honour by Italian Ambassador Vincenzo Prati, Shahbaz said the EU countries had always kept their trade and economic relations with Pakistan above all conditions and it would continue to cooperate with Pakistan in future also.
He said Pakistan was passing through a critical phase of its history and hoped the world community, especially the EU countries, would view this situation objectively. He said the time had come to make coordinated efforts to identify and address the causes of terrorism.
"In addition to security measures, equal importance should be attached to development initiatives," he said. The CM said Britain had been the biggest investor in Pakistan for years.
He said investment by the EU countries would be welcomed and the provincial government was ready to provide infrastructure facilities as well as all legal guarantees for this purpose.
He said the protection of the minorities' rights was among the top priorities of the government, adding that the government was striving to create an atmosphere of tolerance, accommodation and large-heartedness in the society. Ambassadors of 13 EU countries also attended the reception.
Separately, addressing a meeting, Shahbaz said the Punjab government was paying a special attention to the provision of a pollution-free atmosphere and positive recreational facilities to the masses.
He said horticulture was being promoted and maximum tree plantation was being undertaken on development projects. He said an effective system had also been evolved for the maintenance of plants at the development projects, greenbelts and landscaping.
Members of the provincial assembly Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan and Ijaz Ahmed, the Lahore commissioner and district coordination officer and senior officers concerned were also present on the occasion.
Shahbaz said billboards were being removed from the city to restore its historical beauty and these would be displayed in future only in accordance with the government policy. He directed that a comprehensive commercial policy should be evolved and presented to him within a week with regard to billboards and publicity. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk