U.S. Ambassador David Hale calls on Punjab Chief Minister

Lahore: American Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, here today. Matters of mutual interest and promotion of bilateral relations and cooperation in different sectors especially energy was discussed in the meeting. The Chief Minister strongly condemned the worst incident of terrorism in California and said that attack on the center for the handicapped is extremely deplorable.

He said that people of Pakistan fully share the grief of the families of the deceased persons in California. He said that worst form of barbarism was committed by targeting the center for the disabled persons in California. He said that terrorists are enemies of the entire humanity and such elements as target innocent people deserve no leniency. He said that terrorism anywhere in the world is a collective issue and there is a need for concerted efforts to root out this menace.

The Chief Minister said that Pakistan strongly condemns terrorism in any form. He said that there is no room for extremism and terrorism in Pakistan and a setting up a society based on tolerance and moderation is the mission of the government and this noble aim of Quaid-e-Azam will be achieved at any cost.

The Chief Minister said that US-Pakistan relations are multidimensional and will strengthen with the passage of time. He said that Pakistan and America are partners in promoting peace, tolerance and restraint and will help each other in the efforts to ensure peace and elimination of terrorism.

He said that growing cooperation of America to Pakistan is commendable and the fact that an American company, General Electric has qualified through transparent bidding for three gas-based power projects of 3600 megawatts in Punjab augurs well and will open new avenues of cooperation in future. He said that Pakistan’s economy is rapidly progressing due to which energy requirements are increasing therefore there is a need to promote bilateral cooperation.

He said that all citizens have equal rights in the Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the government is determined to transform the country into a welfare state in accordance with the vision of the Quaid. He said that a welfare society can only be established through promotion of tolerance, restraint an moderation. The Chief Minister also congratulated David Hale on taking up his responsibilities in Pakistan.

US Ambassador David Hale while speaking on the occasion said that America attaches special importance to its relations with Pakistan and close cooperation between the two countries will be continued. He also appreciated the extraordinary performance and tireless efforts of Chief Minister Punjab with regard to completion of splendid welfare projects in a record period for the people of the province and said that he is serving the masses with commitment and his efficiency is laudable.

The American Ambassador also congratulated Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on the success of his visit to Britain. American Consul General Zachary Harkenrider was also present on the occasion.