CHIEF MINISTER PUNJAB AND CANADIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER DELIBERATE ON HISTORIC AGREEMENT TO BOOST PAKISTANI EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Lahore,  Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi engaged in a productive meeting with Canadian High Commissioner Leslie Scanlon. Discussions centered around mutual interests, emphasizing the proposed agreement between the Punjab government and Canada concerning the deployment of skilled manpower. Naqvi underscored the longstanding and robust friendship between Pakistan and Canada, highlighting the historic initiative to send young professionals to Canada for employment.

Expressing optimism, Chief Minister Naqvi disclosed that this month, a Punjab government delegation is scheduled to visit Canada for the formal signing of the ground breaking agreement. The Chief Minister believes that this accord will not only offer respectable employment opportunities to Pakistani youth but will also usher in a new era in Pak-Canada relations.

The deliberations also extended to heightened cooperation on environmental protection, particularly addressing the pressing issue of smog. Acknowledging the efforts to combat smog through artificial rain in Lahore, Canadian High Commissioner commended the significant strides made across various fields in a short span. Anticipating positive outcomes, the Commissioner expressed hope that the upcoming visit of the Pakistani delegation to Canada would further strengthen bilateral relations through increased interactions and exchange of delegations.

Chief Minister Naqvi added that the partnership aims to extend collaboration on multiple fronts. He highlighted achievements such as the swift upgrade of 114 major hospitals and the successful completion of public welfare projects ahead of schedule. Mentioning the innovative initiative of providing 26,000 electric bikes and rickshaws without interest, he emphasized the government’s commitment by imposing a ban on petrol bike purchases at the government level in Punjab.

Addressing environmental concerns, Chief Minister Naqvi outlined the installation of 5 anti-smog towers in Lahore, with the first tower expected to be operational in early February. He reassured the public that comprehensive measures were being taken to combat smog effectively. In concluding remarks, Naqvi emphasized that the Punjab government’s initiatives are geared towards providing relief and convenience to the common man, underscoring the pivotal role the upcoming visit to Canada will play in furthering bilateral relations.