LAHORE: The United States has expressed a keen interest in fostering closer collaboration with the Punjab government to tackle poverty and spur economic development.
This sentiment was conveyed by US Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Donald Blome during a meeting with Chief Minister Maryum Nawaz here Thursday.
In response, Chief Minister Maryum Nawaz assured, “We are committed to providing a safe environment for US investment in Punjab.”
Highlighting Punjab’s substantial investment potential in agriculture, industry, and IT sectors, Maryum Nawaz underscored her determination to leverage the longstanding economic relations between Pakistan and the US. She stressed the pivotal role of a stable government in steering Pakistan out of its current economic challenges.
“Our economic policies are already showing results, with inflation on a downward trend,” she said, outlining a comprehensive strategy to ensure access to quality education, healthcare, and affordable food for the people.
Blome congratulated the chief minister on her historic election as the first female chief minister and lauded her efforts in swiftly implementing projects geared towards public welfare and reiterated US commitment to closer collaboration with the Punjab government for poverty alleviation and economic progress.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a meeting of the Polio Oversight Board Thursday, where concerted efforts were pledged for the complete eradication of polio in Punjab.
Measures to enhance the effectiveness of anti-polio campaigns were reviewed, including proposals to ensure the vaccination of children across the province. Complete cooperation was assured by WHO and other institutions in this endeavour.
Expressing her resolve to make Punjab entirely polio-free, Maryam Nawaz affirmed her oversight of the vaccination campaign, stressing the importance of prompt emergency responses in combating polio.
She highlighted the government’s focus on providing healthcare facilities to all, including initiatives like ‘Field Hospitals’ and ‘Clinic on Wheels’ to reach remote areas. Safety measures for polio workers were also endorsed.
The WHO representative commended Punjab’s efforts towards polio eradication, acknowledging the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in ensuring the success of vaccination campaigns. The meeting reviewed progress, with Lahore achieving 85% of its anti-polio targets in the past seven months.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz accompanied by party leader Nawaz Sharif visited the residence of Pakistan Muslim League leader and MNA Saira Afzal Tarar to offer condolences on the passing of her father, Afzal Hussain Tarar, a senior PMLN leader.
Expressing heartfelt sympathies, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif offered prayers for the departed soul and extended support to the bereaved family.
They paid tribute to Afzal Hussain Tarar’s dedicated public service and his unwavering commitment to the party’s ideals.
Nawaz Sharif recalled Afzal Hussain Tarar’s longstanding friendship and described him as a stalwart party member who would be deeply missed.
Highlighting Afzal Hussain Tarar’s loyalty and contributions to the party, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasised his enduring legacy in Pakistani politics.
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pervaiz Rasheed, and other prominent PMLN members were also present.