DANISH AMBASSADOR CALLS ON SHAHBAZ SHARIF

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the whole Pakistani nation is grieved over the death of innocent children in Peshawar and the vicious terrorists have shown the worst brutality by targeting innocent children and teachers. He said that blood of martyrs will not go waste. He said that the nation is united against terrorism and the time has come for decisive action against terrorists. He said that the menace of terrorism will be rooted out with the force of unity. He said that more than 40 thousand Pakistanis have sacrificed their lives in the war against terrorism which is unprecedented in history.

He was talking to the Ambassador of Denmark Jesper Moller Sorensen who met him, here today. Matters of mutual interest, promotion of trade and investment and cooperation in the sector of renewable energy were discussed in the meeting and it was agreed that bilateral cooperation will be further enhanced.

The Danish Ambassador strongly condemned the Peshawar tragedy and expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of innocent children and their teachers.

Talking to the Ambassador, the Chief Minister said that the threat of terrorism will be countered with an effective strategy and the force of national unity. He said that 18 crore people of Pakistan have awakened for the elimination of the menace of terrorism and political, religious and military leadership is also determined to root out terrorism. He said that officers and jawans of Pak Army, police and citizens have rendered supreme sacrifices in the war against terrorism. He said that there is a new determination and spirit in Pakistani nation and it is the moment to take decisive action against the scourge of terrorism. He said that victory is the only option in this war and the government will come up to the expectation of the masses and the war to save the country will be won at any cost. He said that the responsibility to give a peaceful and safe Pakistan to the new generation through eradication of terrorism will be discharged efficiently. The Chief Minister stressed the need for promotion of trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Denmark and said that all out measures will be taken for this purpose. He said that there is a vast scope of investment in renewable energy and other sectors in Punjab and Danish companies should benefit from investment opportunities. He said that Punjab is an agrarian province and cooperation of Denmark in this sector will be welcomed. He said that a conducive atmosphere exists in Punjab for foreign investors and all out facilities are being provided to investors under one roof. He said that development projects are being completed speedily and expeditiously in the province and the measures taken for the uplift of education, health, livestock, agriculture, transport and infrastructure sectors are yielding positive result. He said that Pakistan is facing energy crisis and in addition to traditional methods, the government is also paying attention to renewable sources of energy for overcoming shortage of electricity. He said that work is being carried out for generation of power from solar, bio-mass, bio-gas and wind and Danish companies can cooperate in this regard. He said that a unique project for generation of solar energy is being set up in Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Bahawalpur district of South Punjab where Punjab government is also setting up the first 100 megawatts solar power project of Pakistan with its own resources. He said that this project is in the final stages of completion and will soon start production of electricity.

Danish Ambassador Jesper Moller Sorensen said that his country wants to promote economic and trade relations with Pakistan especially Punjab. He said that cooperation with Punjab will be increased with regard to renewable sources of generation of power especially solar and wind energy.