British High Commissioner Philip Barton calls on CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: British High Commissioner in Pakistan Philip Barton met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, here today. Matters of mutual interest, promotion of bilateral relations and cooperation in different sectors were discussed in the meeting.

Talking to the British High Commissioner, the Chief Minister said that there are historical and friendly relations between Pakistan and Britain. He said that Britain is an important trade partner of Pakistan and is extending commendable cooperation in education, health and other social sectors. He stressed the need for further promotion of trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Britain and said that the two countries should take measures in this regard.

Shahbaz Sharif said that various programmes in education, health and skill development sector are successfully running in Punjab with the cooperation of British Department for International Development(DFID). He said that promotion of education can help in curbing the trend of extremism and terrorism, therefore, Punjab government is paying special attention to uplift of this sector and state-of-the-art Daanish schools have been established in backward districts of the province where quality education is being provided to the students.

The Chief Minister further said that jobs have been provided to the youth by imparting them various skills under skills development programme and the scope of this programme is being expanded. He said that skill development programme has enabled thousands of youth to stand on their feet. Similarly, he said, a programme is being implemented with the cooperation of DFID with regard to public health especially mother and child care. He said that relations between Pakistan and Britain have strengthened during the tenure of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. The Chief Minister said that Punjab government wants to expand cooperation with Britain in the development of social sector.

British High Commissioner Philip Barton while speaking on the occasion said that Britain attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan. He said that cooperation with Pakistan will be continued for its progress and development. He said that Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has taken practical and commendable measures for the progress and prosperity of the people of the province and he is serving the masses with commitment and determination.