Ambassador of France Ms. Martine Dorrance calls on CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the whole nation is shocked at the worst attack of terrorism targeting innocent children in Peshawar. He said that such an incident of brutality is unprecedented in the history of the world. He said that time has come for the accountability of the murderers of innocent children and they will be punished for every drop of blood of the martyrs. He said that terrorists will be wiped out from the country with the force of unity. He said that terrorism is the biggest hurdle in the way of progress and development of the country and the war against terrorists will continue till complete victory.

He was talking to Ambassador of France Ms. Martine Dorrance who called on him, here today. Matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations and promotion of economic and trade cooperation were discussed in the meeting. The French Ambassador strongly condemned the Peshawar tragedy and expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of innocent children and their teachers. She said that French government and people equally share the grief of Pakistani citizens.

The Chief Minister said that the whole nation has become united to eliminate terrorism from the country and political, religious and military leadership is determined to take decisive action against terrorists. He said that more than 40 thousand Pakistanis have lost their lives in the war against terrorism which include officers and jawans of Pak Army, police officials and common citizens. He said that the supreme sacrifices rendered by Pakistan against terrorism are unprecedented in the history of the world.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is passing through the most critical phase of its history and the whole nation has become united against terrorists and their patrons. He said that the war against terrorism is aimed at survival of the future generations and Pakistani nation will achieve victory in this war at any cost. The Chief Minister also stressed the need for promotion of trade and economic relations between Pakistan and France and said that there should be maximum exchange of delegations for increasing the volume of trade between the two countries. He said that through Pakistan and France have deep friendly relations however, there is a need for expanding economic and trade ties between the two countries as France is an important country of the European Union.

French Ambassador Ms. Martine Dorrance said that France highly values its relations with Pakistan and measures will be taken for promoting trade and economic ties between the two countries.