Pak-China ties: Government spending billions on Saaf Pani Project, says CM

Govt, Chinese company sign accord

LAHORE: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Monday between the government and a Chinese company, Sino Hydro Corporation, for collaboration in the water supply sector.

WASA Managing Director Chaudhry Naseer Ahmed and Sino Hydro Corporation Vice President Lyu Liushan signed the agreement. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was the chief guest at the signing ceremony. Under the agreement, the Chinese company will provide cooperation and technical assistance for the improvement of the water sector.

Speaking at the event, the chief minister said that bilateral economic cooperation between Pakistan and China was increasing. “The government is implementing a mega project for the supply of potable water to the people. Forty million people living in rural areas will benefit from the project. The government is spending billions of rupees on the Saaf Pani Project. The Chinese company can extend cooperation in the implementation of the Saaf Pani Project,” he said.

The chief minister said that Chinese technology would be utilised in the water sector. “The Saaf Pani Project is progressing at a good pace and transparently. Cooperation of Sino Hydro Corporation is welcome,” he said.

He said that universal provision of clean drinking water was a major challenge. “The government is taking all steps to address the problem. The project to provide clean drinking water to the people is of great importance,” he said.

He said that the Chinese company could also help in the improvement of sewerage system.

Earlier, a delegation of the Sino Hydro Corporation, led by its vice president had met the chief minister. The delegation leader said that his company had wanted to work with the government for the development of water sector.

Housing Minister Tanveer Aslam Malik, Chinese Consul General Yu Boren and Khawaja Ahmed Hassaan were also present at the ceremony.

Kidney and Liver institute

“The Pakistan Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute is of great importance for the treatment of kidney and liver diseases,” Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Monday.

He was presiding over a meeting to review the progress of the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute and Research Centre. “After the completion of the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute and Research Centre, modern treatment facilities will become available to kidney and liver patients. Free treatment will be provided to the poor, deserving and destitute patients. The institute will be a masterpiece of medical science and among the best in the world,” he said.

Adviser on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique, the NESPAK managing director, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute Board of Governors president Dr Saeed Akhtar were also present.

CM congratulates Chinoy

The chief minister on Monday congratulated filmmaker Shirmeen Obaid Chinoy on winning an Oscar Award.

In a message, the chief minister said that Chinoy’s achievement was an honour for all Pakistanis. “By winning the Oscar Award for a second time, Chinoy has proved that Pakistani women are very talented. Her documentary gives the message that honour killing is a crime and not part of the Pakistani culture or Islam. The empowerment of women and elimination of violence against women is a top priority of the government,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 1^st, 2016.