No economic growth without quality human resources: Punjab CM

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said economic targets cannot be achieved without first developing the human resources because high-quality human resources play a pivotal role in overall socio-economic development.

That is why the Punjab government has given special importance to development of the best human resources and practical steps have been taken for developing skilled workforce according to the needs of the industrial units.

He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural session of two-day Punjab Human Development Forum-2018, which was held under the aegis of P&D Department at a local hotel, here on Tuesday.

He said that provision of clean drinking water to people was a gigantic task adding that government was fully committed to providing this facility to every person in the province. He said that capacity issues exist not only in Punjab but in the whole country as well and without solving them, success could not be achieved.

The CM said that the government appreciates the cooperation of international agencies. However, these organisations would not always come forward for helping Pakistan. We should, therefore, generate our own resources to become a self-reliant nation. “Otherwise, we cannot get rid of the begging bowl. It may be difficult but not an impossible task.

“I am ready to write this with my blood that World Bank and Asian Development Bank’s support cannot solve our problems. We will have to generate our resources because development cannot be ensured through a life of dependence.”

He inaugurated the establishment of Punjab Public Health Agency in addition to launch of Punjab Human Capital Review-2018 and Annual Health Development Report. Provincial Minister Malik Nadeem Kamran, Chairman P&D Jehanzeb Khan and others also spoke on the occasion.

The CM also distributed shields among the participants. Earlier, instead of any minister or a high official of the provincial government, Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif was received at the stage by a group of youth, women and children who had benefited from various programs of the Punjab government.

Meanwhile, a delegation of the British investors, led by Rehman Chishti, Trade Envoy of UK’s Prime Minister for Pakistan & Member Parliament, called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif in a local hotel, here Tuesday.

The delegation members lauded the performance of Chief Minister Shahbaz over the unprecedented steps taken for the welfare of the people of the province. “You have achieved a prominent place in Pakistan as well as in the whole world and we want to promote relations with Punjab,” they added. They said that there were vast opportunities for investment in Punjab.

Provincial ministers Sheikh Allauddin, Malik Nadeem Kamran, Vice Chairman Investment Board Khwaja Ahmed Hasaan, chief secretary, Chairman P&D and authorities concerned were also present on the occasion.

The Punjab CM also expressed a deep sense of sorrow and grief over the death of uncle of Rana Muhammad Iqbal, Speaker Punjab Assembly. In a condolence message, the CM prayed that may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and strength to the members of bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.