New DFID head in Pakistan Ms Annable Gerry called on CM Punjab

LAHORE: The new Department for International Development (DFID) head in Pakistan, Ms Annable Gerry, called on Chief Minister Usman Buzdar at his office here on Monday. The chief minister congratulated her and expressed good wishes.

He said the welfare of the people is a collective objective and health and education are among the top priorities of the PTI government. New educational institutions are being established in Punjab. The government welcomes the cooperation of DFID in the journey of public service, he said.

He said the Punjab government has launched several projects to empower the youth. Four technical universities are being set up in the province. He said that soft loans will be disbursed to the youth for business and an institute will be set up for the treatment of blood diseases in Lahore along with the project of a new cardiac hospital. Special attention is paid to the development of backward areas, he said. Several initiatives have been taken for the welfare of women and the government is also investing in human development.

He said the programme of providing relief to the people will be moved ahead by keeping close liaison with DFID. He said that the cooperation of DFID in the mission of public service is significant. Ms Annabel Gerry said that DFID will continue supporting Punjab government for the betterment in education, health, skilled-development and other sectors.

DFID representative in Punjab Janal Shah, Governance Group Head of DFID Pakistan Ms Sarah Cooper, Provincial Minister Finance Hashim Jawan Bakhat, Chairman P&D, Secretary Finance, Secretary P&D and others were present.