A delegation of Asian Development Bank calls on Punjab Chief Minister

Lahore: A delegation of Asian Development Bank (ADB) led by its Vice President Wencai Zhang called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here today. It was agreed in the meeting to promote cooperation between Punjab government and ADB in skill development, energy, transport, infrastructure, small dams, education and other sectors. The delegation strongly condemned Karachi tragedy and expressed sympathies with the bereaved families.

Talking to the delegation, the Chief Minister said that ADB is a big partner of Pakistan and a number of projects in various sectors are being implemented in the country especially Punjab with its cooperation. He said that government wants to further promote cooperation with ADB.

The Chief Minister said that Pakistan is facing shortage of electricity and energy crisis has badly affected the economy. He said that government is utilizing maximum resources for controlling this problem and energy projects have been given highest importance in the historic economic package of China. He said that agreements of 20 billion dollars have been signed with China only in energy sector.

Shahbaz Sharif further said that Punjab government has completed a 100 megawatts solar power project in Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park with its own resources and in a record period and this project is generating electricity. He said that a solar project of 350 megawatts out of 900 megawatts will be completed during the current year while that of 550 megawatts will be completed during the next year. He said that Punjab government will set up a gas-based power station of 1200 megawatts electricity with its own resources while federal government will also establish gas-operated energy projects of 2400 megawatts in the province. He said that skilled manpower plays an important role in national economy and Punjab government is paying due attention to skills development.

He said that Skill Development Programme is successfully continuing in the province for developing skilled workforce in accordance with the market needs. The Chief Minister said that ADB should consider cooperation for imparting skills to five lakh youth annually. He said that provincial government is implementing a comprehensive programme for the provision of modern, safe and economical transport facilities to the citizens. He said that after completion of metro bus project in Lahore in a record period, Rawalpindi-Islamabad metro bus project is in the final stages of completion.

He said that Orange Line Metro Train Project has been evolved in Lahore with the cooperation of China. During the meeting Asian Development Bank gave indication to work on projects of billions of dollars in various sectors in Punjab during the next three years upon which the Chief Minister issued instructions for the establishment of a high level committee to discuss details of the projects. The committee will submit its report next month.

Vice President Asian Development Bank Wencai Zhang while speaking on the occasion said that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is serving the people of the province with determination and commitment and the he acknowledges his leadership qualities regarding early completion of development projects. He said that Punjab has a charismatic leadership in the form of Shahbaz Sharif. He said that cooperation with Punjab government in energy, infrastructure, transport, skills development and other projects will be further promoted.

Provincial Minister for Irrigation Yawar Zaman, Member Provincial Assembly Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chairman Planning & Development, concerned secretaries and senior officers were present in the meeting.