LAHORE - Senior British leadership has expressed full confidence in Punjab Chief Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and appreciated his performance with regard to public welfare and development projects in Punjab.
British Foreign Minister William Hague also expressed full confidence in the leadership of Shahbaz Sharif.
British Prime Minister David Cameron and Minister for International Development Justin Greening during meetings, lauded the steps taken by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in the field of skill development, education and health sectors and declared the performance of Punjab government as a role model.
Shahbaz Sharif held a special meeting with British Foreign Minister William Hague and presented him his collection of speeches. William Hague also praised the dynamic personality and leadership qualities of Shahbaz Sharif and appreciated his performance. British Home Minister, Theresa May appreciated Forensic Science Lab set up in Lahore and said that it is indeed an achievement of Shahbaz Sharif.
The Minister said that the forensic lab established in Lahore can be compared with any labs of developed countries.
Meanwhile, Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan has become one of the leading countries with regard to investment and profit.
He said that one-window facility has been provided for investment in every sector including energy so that entire investment process could be completed speedily.
Shahbaz Sharif said that there is no restriction on transfer of profit money abroad and foreign entrepreneurs should benefit from investment-friendly atmosphere in Pakistan. He assured that all out protection and facilities will be provided to the investors.
He expressed these views during a meeting with foreign investors in London on Thursday.
The Chief Minister while inviting foreign investors to invest in different sectors including energy in Pakistan especially Punjab, assured that every penny of their investment will be considered a sacred trust and spent on public welfare projects in a transparent manner.
He said that government is fully cognizant of the security concerns of foreign investors and their reservations will be addressed on priority basis.
He said that due to effective measures taken by the government, economic indicators are improving and rupee has appreciated about 15 per cent against dollar.
He said that due to appreciation of rupee and stability of Pakistani currency, the burden of foreign loans on Pakistan has reduced by Rs 800 billion while stock market is touching new heights and the confidence of foreign investors has revived.
He said that there has been a substantial decrease in price-hike.
He said that whenever Nawaz Sharif government has been given opportunity to serve the masses, solid measures have been taken to bring a positive change in the life of the people and sincere efforts were also made during the last tenure to boost national economy.
He said that stability of economy is the top priority of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his current tenure as well and PML-N government has achieved the targets of economic development through strenuous efforts during the last 11 months.
He said that Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with numerous resources and there are vast reserves of copper, iron, coal and other minerals while gas is also available in abundance.
Shahbaz Sharif further said there are vast opportunities of investment in energy, livestock, dairy development and IT sectors.
He said that Punjab government is setting up a modern solar park in South Punjab where 1000 mw energy will be generated.
He said that it is a unique project in Pakistan for which foreign investors have also been invited. Referring to Pak-Britain relations, the Chief Minister said that more than 70 British companies are operating in Pakistan and he believes that their number will substantially increase in the coming days.
He said that former governments paid no attention to the solution of problems of people due to their negligence and inefficiency while present government is trying to rectify the situation and he is confident that destiny of the country will be changed.
He said that tax recovery system is being improved while transparent utilisation of resources has been ensured.
He said that rate of payment of taxes has considerably increased due to improvement in tax system.
He said that PML-N government led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is making speedy progress on every front and due to its effective measures, not only economic situation is improving but production of industrial, agriculture and other sectors is also increasing.