Aga Khan Trust role in health, education commendable: Shahbaz

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said mutual cooperation between Punjab government and Aga Khan Trust is expanding day by day and unprecedented steps have been taken for the restoration of historical places as well as the centuries-old walled city of Lahore. A delegation of Aga Khan Trust for Culture called on the chief minister. The delegation was led by Aga Khan Trust General Manager Luis Monreal. During the meeting Thursday, bilateral discussion was held regarding further expanding the programme of protection and conservation of historical places. The delegation assured of providing technical assistance regarding conservation, repair and maintenance of Shalamar Garden and Jahangir Tomb.

Talking to the delegation, the chief minister appreciated different welfare-oriented steps taken by the Aga Khan Trust and added that its services in the field of education and healthcare are commendable.

He maintained that a lot of benefit has been gained through the expertise of Aga Khan Trust for Culture. Punjab government shall provide all sorts of resources for Shalamar Garden and Jahangir Tomb as we only need technical assistance and expertise of the Aga Khan Trust, he added.

Luis Monreal said support to the Punjab government with regard to restoration of historical places will continue and expressed satisfaction that partnership with the provincial government has remained wonderful. This partnership will be expanded in future as well, he added.

Director of Historic Cities Programme Cameron Rashti and chairman board of directors of Aga Khan Cultural Services Pakistan Akbar Ali Pesnani were part of the delegation. Walled City of Lahore Authority Director General Kamran Lashari was also present.

According to another report, the chief minister paid a surprise visit Thursday to burn unit of the Jinnah Hospital. He also inquired after the patients and the quality of facilities provided to them.

He went to the ICU as well. Talking to doctors, the chief minister said those treating the patients are crown of his head and he was happy to see young doctors serving the ailing humanity that is our collective mission. He assured of resolving their problems and ready for talks with them. “I am not an opponent of the young doctors; rather I appreciate the ones who serve the ailing humanity with dedication. He said he has dedicated his life for serving the ailing humanity and the purpose of this visit is to further improve the quality of facilities provided in this hospital.

While talking to media, he said a state-of-the-art burn unit has been set up in the hospital and he has been happy to see the neat and clean atmosphere around. Best equipment as well as the highly-trained staff is present to serve the patients. He said state-of-the-art surgical tower has been set up at the Mayo Hospital which will be fully functional in next two weeks.

He said burn units have been set up in Faisalabad and Multan and it has been decided to establish two more burn units. He said a ‘drama’ was staged in the name of political gathering in Lahore Wednesday in which heads of the political parties from across the country took part and they were all guests of Qadri. The real objective of ‘drama’ was not to seek my resignation, but was actually aimed at targeting the development projects.

To a question about summon issued by NAB, the chief minister said if NAB or any other body could prove corruption of even a single penny during his three tenures, then he shall be fully answerable to the people.

To a question, he said work on Zainab murder case is being done speedily. There are things which we should not disclose before time. He said criminals involved in Zainab murder case will be soon arrested and will be given exemplary punishment before the whole nation.

Meanwhile, the chief minister has condemned the unprovoked firing of the Indian forces at the Working Boundary in Sialkot, in which two women were martyred.

He expressed grief over the death of two women due to Indian firing and extended sympathies to their families. He also prayed for the early recovery of the injured persons.

The CM also condemned the firing incident at police officials on Zarghoon Road in Quetta. He expressed deep sense of sorrow over the martyrdom of police officials and extended sympathies to the bereaved families.