LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the efforts of PML-N government for eliminating corruption are being appreciated at international level.

Commenting upon the report published by famous American Journal “Foreign Policy” regarding corruption and nepotism, the chief minister said Pakistan is displaying better performance as compared to the neighbouring country with regard to eradication of corruption.

Among 199 countries of the world, Pakistan is at 166th position with regard to ranking in connection with efforts being made for eradication of corruption while India is at 178th position which is 12 steps below of Pakistan, which totally negates its claims of “Shining India”, said the CM, who is on a tour to Turkey.

Shehbaz Sharif said a better policy of transparency in government affairs, elimination of corruption and improvement in service delivery is resulting in better image of the country at world level. “The report of Foreign Policy verifies the report of Transparency International in January 2016 regarding efforts of the government of Pakistan for eradication of corruption and three steps better at international level,” he said while claiming Pakistan is the only South Asian country making successful efforts for eradication of corruption.

“Verification of success of government efforts for elimination of corruption by a World Renowned Institution is very important which clearly states that attitude of zero tolerance against corruption from lower level to upper level is yielding better results,” he added.

“Pakistan’s better performance for eradicating corruption is a proof to the fact if we can take lead over India then why we cannot defeat India in other matters,” Shehbaz said and highlighted every challenge can be coped with by paying attention with sincerity. “Our nation is fully talented and is capable to overcome every difficulty.”

Talking to the media in Turkish city of Kaysere yesterday, CM Shehbaz said Turkey and Pakistan are close friends. “Friends of Turkey are our friends and enemies of Turkey are our enemies,” he told the Turkish journalists.

“Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the only world leader who addressed joint session of Pakistani parliament for third time,” Shehbaz said, also praising the president for talking openly on Kashmir dispute. “President Erdogan won the hearts of people of Pakistan,” he added.

The CM further said the Turkish investment in Punjab is playing an important role in bringing the two counties closer.

However, he held there is still a lot to be done for enhancing trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Replying to a question, Shehbaz said that Kashmir dispute is issue of the region and Kashmiri people are fighting their war of freedom.

“India is enacting bloodbath of unarmed Kashmiri people and should abide by international treaties,” he maintained.

Thanking President Erdogan for supporting Pakistan in Kashmir issue, Shehbaz Sharif said the role of Turkey in resolution of dispute will be welcomed.

Replying to a question, the chief minister said he considers failed coup in Turkey as important as Turkish War of Independence. “After this incident, democracy has further strengthened in Turkey and its economy become strong besides popularity of Mr Erdogan has increased at international level.”

ABDULLAH GULL SAYS

 “SALAM” TO PUNJAB

In Kaysere, the CM also met former president Abdullah Gull, who said Pak-Turkish friendship is time-tested. Lauding the role of Shehbaz Sharif in strengthening mutual ties, he thanked the CM on participating in inaugural ceremony of Abdullah Gull Museum and Library.

Gull said the pleasant memories of his visit to Pakistan, especially Lahore, were his asset. He asked the chief minister to convey his message of “Salam” to the people of Punjab.

Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Abdullah Gull on setting up Abdullah Gull Museum and Library and appreciated his personality and services for Turkish people. He said both Pakistan and Turkey are tied in strong relations of love and affection.

Provincial Minister Jahangir Khanzada, MPA Abdul Aleem Shah and other senior officers were present on the occasion.