Ideal opportunities for investment in Pakistan, governor tells Saudi envoy

LAHORE:Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nawaf Bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy called on Governor Balighur Rehman at Governor’s House here Thursday.

In the meeting, issues of mutual interest, promotion of bilateral relations, and mutual cooperation were discussed. Speaking on the occasion, governor praised the Saudi government for taking steps regarding tourism. He said that the simplification of the visa policy by the Saudi government for foreign tourists was a good initiative. Saudi government's new investment initiatives in Pakistan are encouraging, he said, adding it is good to see that more Saudi business delegations are visiting Pakistan. He said that there are favourable opportunities in Pakistan for Saudi investors.

Governor said that there should be maximum exchange of student delegations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He said that Saudi companies are also investing in semiconductors, which are the basis of all technologies. Pakistani universities are providing quality education in medical and various other disciplines. Pakistani doctors are known for professional competence all over the world. Governor said that Saudi students should come to study in Pakistani universities.

Punjab governor and Saudi ambassador also discussed the situation in Palestine. Governor said that the destruction caused by the bombing of residential areas, refugee camps, hospitals, schools in the Palestinian Gaza Strip is painful, adding that plight of Palestinians especially women and children is heart-wrenching.

Saudi ambassador said that Pakistan is like his second home, adding that he was greatly touched by the love and respect given by the Pakistanis.

He said that Saudi Arabia is giving scholarships to Pakistani students. The student exchange programme will be further expanded. The Saudi ambassador said that the quality of Pakistani products, including textiles, is very good.

Commissioner reviews price control actions

Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa reviewed price control actions while chairing a meeting on Thursday. The commissioner ordered strict action in terms of not displaying price lists in bazaars, shops and carts and sought reports in this regard. He asked the authorities concerned to strictly monitor prices and supply of onions, sugar, potatoes, tomatoes, chicken, flour and gram pulses.

The commissioner expressed his displeasure at officials for not making sufficient visits to markets to monitor auctions and sought a report from the Deputy Commissioner (DC) in this regard. He asked the relevant officials to strictly monitor the prices of vegetables and fruit. He said prices of some items have decreased according to the trend in the market.