LAHORE - A delegation of Aga Khan Trust for Culture called on Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif here on Thursday.

The delegation was led by trust General Manager Luis Monreal. During the meeting, expansion and conservation of historical places came under discussion. The delegation assured the authorities of technical assistance with regard to conservation, repair and maintenance of Shalamar Gardens and Jahangir’s Tomb.

Talking to the delegation, the chief minister appreciated welfare-oriented steps taken by the Aga Khan Trust and said that trust’s services in the field of education and healthcare were commendable. “The mutual cooperation between the Punjab government and Aga Khan Trust is expending day by day and unprecedented steps have been taken for restoration of historical places as well as centuries’ old Walled City,” he said. He maintained that a lot had been gained from expertise of Aga Khan Trust for Culture. He said the Punjab government shall provide all sorts of resources for Shalamar Gardens and Jahangir’s Tomb. “We only need technical assistance and expertise of Aga Khan Trust,” he added.

General Manager Luis Monreal said that support to the Punjab government with regard to restoration of historical places will be continued and expressed the satisfaction that partnership with the provincial government has remained wonderful. This partnership will be expanded in future as well, he added.

Director of Historic Cities Programme Cameron Rashti and Chairman of Board of Directors of Aga Khan Cultural Services Pakistan Akbar Ali Pesnani were part of the delegation.

Lahore Walled City Authority Director General Kamran Lashari was also present on the occasion.

Also, Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the unprovoked firing by the Indian forces at the Line of Control.

He expressed sorrow and grief over the death of two women in the firing and extended sympathies to the heirs. He prayed for early recovery of the injured and termed the targeting of civilian population by Indian forces a highly condemnable act. He said that Indian brutal aggression had been fully exposed before the world. He said that aggressive Indian designs were threat to durable peace in the region. “India should not miscalculate the bravery of Pakistan Army. The brave armed forces of Pakistan have the fullest capability to give a befitting reply to the Indian Army and the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with their armed forces,” he said.

Also Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid a surprise visit to burn unit of Jinnah Hospital. During his visit, the chief minister inspected the medical facilities provided to the patients there. He enquired after patients and asked attendees about the quality of facilities provided to them and took a tour of the ICU.