LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that there is a need of changing the deep brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran into useful economic relations. He said that both the countries will have to take steps for the promotion of economic and trade contacts. He said that a modern slaughter house is being run successfully with the cooperation of Iran. The Chief Minister said that more projects like slaughter house can be launched through promotion of partnership in agriculture, industry and trade sectors. He said that it is high time to promote economic relations between Pakistan, Iran and Turkey.
He expressed these views while talking to a delegation led by Chairman of National Security and Foreign Committee of Iranian Majlis-e-Shura Alaeddin Broujerdy, here Wednesday. Besides members of Iranian delegation, Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Vice Chairman Punjab Investment Board and concerned officials were present on the occasion. Matters of mutual interest and promotion of Pak-Iran economic relations were discussed during the meeting.
Welcoming the Iranian delegation, Shahbaz Sharif said that Iran is a sincere friend of Pakistan which has always supported it in every hour of trial. He said that it is high time that economic and trade relations should be promoted between Pakistan and Iran. He said that cooperation with regard to the gas pipeline project by Iran is an important step. Criticizing federal government, Shahhaz Sharif said that due to the inefficiency of federal government, energy crisis is increasing day by day in Pakistan. He said that federal government has shown criminal negligence in overcoming the energy crisis. He said that the people would elect such a leadership in coming elections which has the capability of resolving the country’s problems. Shahbaz Sharif said that besides Iran and Turkey, the role or China, India and Afghanistan is of great importance in establishing peace in the region. He said that if there is peace in Afghanistan, there will be peace in Pakistan.
Highlighting the importance of Metro Bus Project, the Chief Minister said that the work on modern Metro Bus Project is going on speedily in Lahore and the people will soon benefit from the fruits of this splendid project. The CM also accepted the invitation of visit to Iran extended by Chairman of National Security and Foreign Committee of Iranian Majlis-e-Shura, Alaeddin Broujerdy.
Chairman of National Security and Foreign Committee of Iranian Majlis-e-Shura Alaeddin, while expressing his views on this occasion, said that Iranian brethren are waiting anxiously for the visit of Chief Minister Shahhaz Sharif. He expressed the hope that Shahbaz Sharif will visit Iran before the coming elections. Alaeddin Broujerdy said that Shahhaz Sharif is very hard working and running the province of nine crore people very efficiently. He said that there is a need of taking practical steps by Pakistan and Iran in economic field. He said that Iran is making investment for gas pipeline. He said that Iran wants to provide electricity to Pakistan as the role of Pakistan is very important in the region.