Horticulture giving new look to city: CM
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif said that vacant lands were being converted into beautiful landscapes through horticulture across the province. This had led to availability of eco-friendly atmosphere to citizens along with giving a new look to the cities, he added.
The CM was inspecting horticulture work carried out by the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) on a piece of land retrieved from a mafia group, situated adjacent to Kalma Chowk, on Sunday.
The PHA director general (DG) briefed the CM about horticultural activities in the area. He said the retrieved land had been converted into a pleasant sight for the passers-by with plantation of flowers and plants.
Shahbaz said the provincial government, under an organised programme, was constructing parks and sports grounds on plots being retrieved from land mafia across the province. He said the programme was aimed at providing platforms for recreational and healthy activities to the youth.
Emphasising on the importance of a healthy and pleasing environment, he said it left positive marks on human personality, therefore, the lands retrieved from land mafia were being beautified through horticulture.
The CM lauded gardeners for their efforts and hard work, saying it was because of them that the citizens were able to enjoy pleasant scenery across the city.
Separately, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Essa Abdulla Al Basha Al Noaimi called on the CM on Sunday.
Matters relating to mutual interest were discussed during the meeting. UAE Red Crescent Society’s Board of Directors Chairman Ahmed Humaid Al-Mazrouei, Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, planning and development chairman and social welfare secretary were also present on the occasion.
Talking to the ambassador, Shahbaz said that deep friendly ties existed between Pakistan and UAE and both sides were in unison on various international issues.
He said that UAE was a big economic and trade partner of Pakistan and bilateral economic relations were further expanding with the passage of time.
The CM said that UAE had played an important role in rehabilitation of flood victims in the country, adding that UAE’s active role in development and public welfare projects was commendable.
He said that a comprehensive strategy had been evolved for rapid economic development of the province, adding that special attention was being paid to various sectors, including livestock, education, health, communications and information technology.
Shahbaz elaborated that the Punjab Investment Board was providing complete assistance to foreign investors for investment in the above-mentioned sectors.
He urged investors from UAE to benefit from this facility and make investments in these sectors to boost economy and encourage trade.
The CM said that special attention was also being paid to the uplift of livestock sector in the province.
Meanwhile, Naoimi appreciated the socio-economic growth of Punjab. He said that Pakistan was like a second home to him and the UAE would continue its welfare projects in the country. He disclosed that an office of Red Crescent Society had been set up in Pakistan which would help in further expanding the human welfare works.
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