LAHORE - Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has reiterated his commitment to end electricity crisis in the country during his term.
He was talking to Railways Minister Khwaja Saad Rafiq who called on him here yesterday.
Shehbaz Sharif said a lot of work has been carried out for energy projects during last two and a half years while the Punjab government has initiated number of projects to produce thousands megawatt electricity.
He said the loadshedding would considerably be reduced in 2017. The Chief Minister said there is no example of starting and completing projects with transparency in the history of the country and the government has promoted new trends by introducing transparency and high quality in the projects.
Shahbaz said that efforts being made for elimination of energy crisis are bearing fruit. He said that Rs112 billion has been saved by ensuring transparency in three gas-based projects in Punjab.
He said every necessary step is being taken for overcoming energy shortage. He said that PML-N government will keep by words.
Separately, Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Stefano Pontecorvo called on CM Shahbaz and assured Punjab government of cooperation in producing power waste and sun. During talks, matters of mutual interest, promotion of bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in various sectors also came under discussion.
The Chief Minister shed light on the close friendly relations between Pakistan and Italy, and stressed the need for further promoting these ties.
“There should be maximum exchange of trade delegations between the two countries,” the CM said while lauding the Italian expertise in generating energy from solar and other alternative sources. He said his government will appreciate cooperation of the Italian government in energy, education, technology and socio-economic sectors, where waste opportunities of investment existed. Italian Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo said that Italy is willing to promote cooperation in energy sector with the Punjab government.
“Revolutionary steps have been taken for better health, education, skill development and other social sectors with the cooperation of World Bank in Punjab,” the CM said while talking to WB Country Director Patchamutha Illango yesterday.
During the meeting, enhancing cooperation in education, health, irrigation, skill development and other sectors between Punjab government and World Bank was discussed.
Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said the Punjab government is pursuing a comprehensive programme of speedy economic development.
“Youth are our precious asset and special attention is being given to skill development. A comprehensive programme is being implemented in Punjab for making youth skillful according to the needs of local and foreign market. Punjab wants to expand the scope of this programme and the cooperation of World Bank will be welcomed,” he added.
He said that not only the capacity-building of technical vocational training institutions is being enhanced but the syllabus is also being harmonized according to modern demand so that the youth completing training could get jobs.
He said that attention is being paid to enhancing the capacity-building of government institutions. He said that e-governance has been promoted in the province.
Illango said the dynamic and committed leadership of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has taken excellent steps for the welfare of the people in Punjab.
He assured that the collaboration in socio-economic development will be further increased with Punjab government. Adviser Dr Ijaz Nabi, Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal, Chairman Planning and Development and concerned officials were also present on the occasion.