US Ambassador Mr Paul Jones called on Chief Minister Usman Buzdar at 90-SQA on Tuesday and discussed matters of mutual interest. Talking on this occasion, the chief minister said that multifaceted Pakistan-US relations expand over many decades. He said the government is committed to transforming Pakistan as a welfare state in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He emphasized that all the citizens, including the religious minorities, enjoy equal rights. Prime Minister Imran Khan is striving to develop a new Pakistan where everyone has equal access to facilities of life. Pakistani leadership is moving towards achieving the goals of a new Pakistan and a welfare agenda, aimed at public welfare, is being implemented by the government, he said. Usman Buzdar pointed out that steps have been taken for the restoration of historical heritage and added that the Walled City of Lahore Authority has been extended to the whole of the province. Similarly, an effective tourism policy has been devised and work has been started on Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib. Punjab government is also going to establish nine universities for providing quality higher education to the students. In addition to it, nine new hospitals are being established for giving better healthcare facilities to the people and this would add nine thousand beds. Ten special economic zones will be established in Punjab and the federal government has approved six such SEZs while work is in progress on four other SEZs, he added. Usman Buzdar said that Punjab government is fully utilizing information technology tools and nine incubation centers are being set up to promote e-employment. The government has also set up public-private partnership authority to encourage investment in the province and the special package has been introduced for the development of backward areas, he added. The chief minister said that 35 percent development funds have been allocated for southern Punjab and added that these funds are non-transferable. A feasibility study is also being conducted for the construction of small dams in southern Punjab, the chief minister added. Ambassador Paul Jones, on this occasion, said that America gives special importance to its relations with Pakistan and added that cooperation with Punjab government will be further promoted. He congratulated the government for opening the Kartarpur corridor and said that a positive message has been given to the world. US Consul General Ms Catherine Rodriguez, Political and Economic Chief Mr Barry Junker was also present on this occasion along with ACS (Home) and other high officials.
