LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, during a farewell meeting with Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins on Friday, reaffirmed the province’s commitment to deepening economic, technological, and climate partnerships with Australia.
In a constructive dialogue held in Lahore, both sides discussed avenues for expanding cooperation in key sectors such as textiles, food processing, minerals, information technology, agriculture, and livestock. The chief minister appreciated Hawkins’ role in strengthening bilateral ties and promoting development-focused engagement between the two countries.
Maryam highlighted that Pakistan and Australia, under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), are working towards long-term partnerships through investment and technology transfer. “We are optimistic about advancing cold chain logistics to boost trade in aquaculture and fisheries,” she said, noting that the recent visit of the Australian agricultural mission underscored the growing collaboration in agri-trade.
Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz’s ‘Suthra’ Punjab programme was termed a symbol of public service, as during torrential rainfall in Gujrat and Sialkot cities, the roads of both cities were drained of rainwater in only three hours.
CM Maryam Nawaz also commended the security agencies for killing terrorists while carrying out a successful operation in Kundian. She said, “The CTD has successfully conducted an operation on the hideouts of the terrorists who were planning to carry out riots and terrorist activities in Mianwali.”
She highlighted, “Terrorists will find no refuge anywhere and the Punjab government will launch a crackdown to protect the lives and property of people in the province.”