Shahbaz Sharif calls on Saudi,French and Chinese Envoys in Islamabad

Lahore : Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif spent a busy day in Islamabad and met envoys to discuss affairs of mutual interest with them.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s younger brother Shahbaz Sharif met Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Abdullah Marzouk Al-Zahrani, today.

Talking to Saudi Ambassador, the Chief Minister strongly condemned the blasts in Madina, Jeddah and Qatif during Ramazan.

Paying tributes to the sacrifices of security personnel who were martyred in the incidents, the Chief Minister said that whole Muslim Ummah is deeply grieved over these attacks. He also prayed for the departed souls of those who embraced martyrdom in these blasts.

The Chief Minister said that security of Saudi Arabia is very dear to Pakistan and it is standing by Saudi Arabia in this regard. He said that all out sympathies of Pakistanis are with the Saudi government and people. He said that Medina is the focus of love and reverence of two billion Muslims. He said that enemy has attacked the heart of Muslim Ummah and the soul of every Muslim is hurt over the bloodshed at a most sacred place like Madina Munawara. He said that every conspiracy to undermine the sanctity of this holy city will be thwarted. He said that elements involved in the blasts in Saudi Arabia will face disgrace in this world the world hereafter.

The Chief Minister also assured complete solidarity with the Saudi government and people on behalf of their Pakistani brethren and sisters. He said that there are deep rooted friendly, historical and religious ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He said that Saudi Arabia has stood by Pakistan in every hour of need.

The Saudi Ambassador appreciated the steps taken in Punjab for the economic development and uplift of social sectors. Matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations as well as promotion of cooperation in trade and different sectors between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were also discussed in the meeting.

Shahbaz Sharif also went to French Embassy and met French Ambassador Mrs. Martine Dorance. He strongly condemned the incidents of terrorism in the French city of Nice. He also recorded his impressions in the condolence book placed in the French Embassy.

The Chief Minister expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the loss of innocent lives in the tragic incident of terrorism in Nice. He sympathized with the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of injured persons.

The Chief Minister while talking to the French Ambassador said that sympathies of Pakistani people are with the families of deceased persons. He said that innocent people have been targeted in Nice and the people of Pakistan and Punjab are with the government and people of France in this hour of grief. He said that he was shocked over the deplorable incident of terrorism in Nice.

Shahbaz Sharif said that terrorists are enemies of entire humanity and collective efforts are needed by the world community to root out this menace. He said that the elements involved in terrorist activities are beasts and deserve no leniency.  He also visited Chinese Embassy and met the Ambassador Sun Weidong .

Matters of mutual interest, promotion of bilateral relations between Pakistan and China and pace of China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects was discussed in the meeting.

Talking to the Chinese Ambassador, the Chief Minister said that friendship between Pakistan and China is touching new heights. He said that China is a sincere and trustworthy friend of Pakistan and has stood by it in every hour of need. He said that relations between Pakistan and China have strengthened during the tenure of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.  He said that Pakistan and China are not only neighbors but also have similar stance on regional and international issues.

The Chief Minister while referring to China Pakistan Economic Corridor said that CPEC has raised the level of bilateral relations between the two countries to new heights. He said that work is in progress speedily on CPEC projects in Punjab as well as the whole country.

Shahbaz Sharif said that CPEC has opened new avenues of progress in Pakistan. He said that China is making a historic investment of 46 billion dollars in Pakistan and CPEC is a game changer. The Chief Minister said that not only Pakistan but other countries of the region will also benefit from CPEC projects and it will promote economic and trade activities in the region. He said that historic investment package of 46 billion dollars given by China to Pakistan reflects deep love of the Chinese leadership to the people of Pakistan and confidence in the policies of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

He said that China has given this historic package to change the destiny of Pakistan and entire Pakistani nation is thankful to Chinese leadership and people. He said that the future generations of Pakistanis will also not be able to forget the generosity and the help given by China to Pakistan in the hour of need. He said that release of funds for Lahore Orange Line Metro Train project by Chinese leadership and the authorities of Exim Bank reflect their full confidence in Punjab government.

He said that Lahore Orange Line Metro Train is the biggest and a unique project in transport sector in the history of Pakistan and will result in availability of modern, speedy and economical transport facilities to the masses. He said that metro train is a splendid gift of Chinese leadership to the people of Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif further said that the journey of progress and prosperity has again started under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and foundation of new Pakistan has been laid. He said that 18 crore people of Pakistan are happy over investment of billions of dollars by China.

He said that CPEC project is a great beginning of a journey which will be completed with commitment and determination. Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said that friendship and bilateral economic cooperation between Pakistan and China is increasing with the passage of time and the efforts of the Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif are commendable in this regard.