Turkey key player in Punjab development: CM

[Salman]

Turkey key player in Punjab development: CM

* Shahbaz invites Turk delegation to Lahore

* Says Istanbul and Lahore are twin cities



LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday said Turkey played an important role in the development of Punjab.He said the Punjab government was pleased with the visit of Turk lawmakers to the country.

He was talking to a five-member delegation of Turk parliamentarians led by Burhan Kiaturk at the Government House, Murree. Adviser to CM Raja Ashfaq Sarwar was also present.

Shahbaz said that Turkey had been playing an important role in the development of Punjab and there were longstanding relations between Pakistan and Turkey. The CM also said Turkey had always extended invaluable cooperation. He said that Istanbul and Lahore were twin cities and that is why Lahoris extended a rousing welcome to the Istanbul’s mayor during his visit to Lahore.

The chief minister invited the Turk delegation to Lahore and said that he and his government were anxiously waiting for their visit. He said that Turkey had extended commendable cooperation for the development of various sectors in Punjab. Kiaturk accepted the invitation and said that a delegation of Turk lawmakers would visit the city in November this year. Welcoming the sentiments of the CM he said that the Turk legislators would be happy to visit Lahore as it would also provide them an opportunity to learn more about the city. He said that Turkey was also keen to invest in trade and industrial sector in Punjab.

On Monday, Shahbaz said, “Turkey is an old friend of Pakistan and we are thankful to Turkish PM Tayyip Erdogan for cooperating in the ongoing development projects in Punjab.” He had also said Turkey had given proof of its friendship by launching projects such as metro bus service, solid waste management and setting up IT university. The CM had said the PML-N by participating in the joint session of parliament had given a message that Pak-Turk friendship was above all differences. He had said, “Our participation in the parliamentary session does not mean that we will give up the struggle against corrupt government. We cannot remain silent over the loot and plunder of the rulers.”