PMLN President and National Assembly Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif discussed social sector, public welfare and other development programmes with British High Commissioner Christian Turner and Ms. Iona Thomas, Political Counsellor, in a video conference.
During their discussion Shehbaz appreciated British development body DFID’s financial and technical assistance in various education initiatives and other public welfare programmes in Pakistan, especially in Punjab. He mentioned that during his time as the Chief Minister Punjab he was witness to the invaluable support by DFID for Pakistan.
The National Assembly Opposition Leader said Britain and Pakistan share historic relations based on mutual trust. Britain has anyways supported democracy, public welfare and development of Pakistan and this relationship is extremely important on bilateral, regional and international levels, he added.
He said during his time as the Chief Minister Punjab, his government worked with DFID on various public welfare and development projects in the most transparent and timely manner imaginable that set a new standard in public service. These education, healthcare, public welfare and development projects, he said, are an expression of the effective and fruitful partnership between UK and Pakistan for joint goals.
The PMLN President said Britain and Pakistan will continue partnering on the basis of mutual trust, co-operation and development.
The High Commissioner recalled the role of Mr. Shahbaz Sharif in spearheading various DFID programs in Punjab during his tenure and stated that Britain is committed in its support for Pakistan despite all prevailing challenges including COVID.
Shahbaz Sharif also highlighted that during tenure of PMLN, Pakistan was successfully able to defeat menace of terrorism, address acute energy shortage and introduced era of development and progress. The meeting ended with a note that cooperation and not confrontation is need of time.
Dr. Turner and Mr. Sharif also spoke about matters related to local government, COVID’s impact on the global economy, the regional situation and FATF.
Sharif stated that good governance, prosperity and social uplift of citizens should be the foremost responsibility of this government. He also highlighted that economic challenges facing Pakistan are very critical and opposition will perform its constitutional obligation in raising its voice at all forums for people of Pakistan.
The British High Commissioner inquired about Shehbaz’s health for which Shehbaz thanked him.
