People retarding Orange Train answerable to people: Shahbaz

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said selfless public service rather than hallow slogans is needed for actual change and political elements which created undue hurdles for public welfare projects like OLMT are answerable to people.

He was talking to a Chinese delegation headed by Minister of Communist Party of China Wang Yajun on Sunday. The progress of CPEC projects and strengthening ties between the Communist Party of China and the PML-N were discussed in the meeting.

The CM said: “Fortunately, the OLMT project has come to track again. We will compensate the wasted time with hard work and it is our preference to complete the project quickly to provide world-class travel services to the common man.” He said he was grateful to the cooperation of the Chinese president, the Axim Bank of China and the NDRC for continuing their support to the project.

Wang Yajun, while praising the hard work and phenomenal leadership of Shahbaz Sharif, said Punjab attained major development goals in his tenure. The CM took striking measures for the economic and social development of the province. One who visits Punjab comes to know that Punjab Speed is the other name of Shahbaz Sharif. Through this speed, he has done extraordinary jobs which surely deserve applause. Due to the personal interest of the Punjab CM, many Chinese companies are working in Pakistan.

The Chinese minister said he was pleased to see the streets of Punjab cities beautiful and clean that was obviously due to the best management of Shahbaz Sharif. He praised the CM for visiting an OLMT site at 6am on Saturday and performing his official duties from 8 o'clock on Sunday despite the fact that it was a holiday. He said these unique qualities of his personality made him a popular leader. He said China valued its relations with Pakistan and due to the CPEC, both countries were cherishing a perpetual friendship. Shahbaz Sharif worked hard to complete energy projects in a short span of time and benefits are reaching the common man as load-shedding is over in Pakistan. He said China would always stand by Pakistan in its journey to prosperity.

He said some countries were opposing the CPEC, but it would be of no use. In fact, they are losing their opportunities for progress. He assured all possible cooperation regarding earliest completion of the OLMT project. He congratulated Shahbaz for getting permission to continue the project.

Shahbaz said every passing day was witnessing stronger ties between Pakistan and China. The CPEC has boosted this relation due to which Pakistan is moving forward on the path to prosperity. He said the steps of the Chinese president against corruption were worth-praising. The Chinese president earned popularity through steps taken under One Belt One Road. He said Pakistan and China were confronting same enemies.

The Chinese delegation included senior officials of Communist Party of China and Chinese Consul General Long Ding bin. Punjab Ministers Nadeem Kamran, Rana Mashhood, Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Khawaja Ahmad Hasaan, the chief secretary, the chairman Planning and Development and the Lahore mayor were present.

Meanwhile, the CM applauded Pakistan Power Lifters Saniha Ghafoor and Twinkle Sohail for winning eight gold medals at the Oceania Pacific Power Lifting Championship in Singapore. He said it was a unique honour for the Power Lifters as well as Pakistan. He said Saniha and Twinkle made the nation proud.

In a separate message, he expressed sorrow over the death of broadcaster Fareeda Abbasi, wife of poet Murtaza Barlas. He prayed may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace.