Sindh, Balochistan CMs to accompany president on China visit

ISLAMABAD: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti will be part of entourage of President Asif Ali Zardari’s next month’s visit to China.

The sources told The News here Monday evening that developmental projects of Sindh and Balochistan would be discussed with the Chinese authorities. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz who visited China last month had also discussed developmental projects of her province and sought Chinese assistance for various plans. Accordingly, the Chinese assistance is coming to Punjab in a big way. President Asif Ali Zardari will have meetings with the Chinese leadership including President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang during his stay in Beijing. He will discuss with them subjects of mutual and regional interest and development on world horizon. It would be first visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to China during this stint. It is likely president will avail himself of the opportunity for meeting with the Chinese business groups to enhance cooperation in trade as well. Details and schedule of the visit are being worked out through the diplomatic channels. The sources hinted that at least two federal ministers will accompany the president in the trip. Federal Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Naqvi would be part of the entourage. Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and an additional secretary of the Foreign Office are being included in the delegation of the president. Some businessmen from different parts of the country have also been invited to join the delegation. A few Senators including Senator Sherry Rehman, Salim Mandviwala and Senator Faisal vawda will accompany the president, the sources indicated. The president will depart for Beijing on February 3 and will have four-day stay in China.