UK firms invited for solar project

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has invited British companies to participate in the project for providing solar panels to people for economic relief.

“The Solarisation project will be started in Punjab from August 14,” she said during a meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, adding that transparency and merit would be ensured in the bidding.

“All possible measures are being taken to eliminate environmental pollution in Punjab,” the chief minister said.

Promotion of mutual cooperation in education, health and other sectors was discussed in the meeting.

“We are providing solar panels to people for economic relief.” the chief minister highlighted.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also said, ”We are taking all possible measures for the protection of women and children in Punjab. She apprised the ambassador about the establishment of the first Virtual Police Station for Women and Child Safety Centre in Punjab.

The British high commissioner appreciated the implementation of the Sikh Marriage Act in Punjab and termed the Child Marriage Bill an exemplary initiative of the Government. She said, “Punjab government is taking unique and historic steps for the protection of women and children.”

The chief minister commended the welfare services of the British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in Punjab.

Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Additional Secretary Sara Hayat, Head of British High Commission Lahore Office Clara Strandhoj and other relevant officers were also present.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott also called on Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and tackle the challenges of climate change.

The governor said on the occasion that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Britain, adding that the British government’s cooperation in the education, health, social and other sector is commendable.

He said climate change is a global issue, stressing that despite having minimum contribution in carbon emissions, Pakistan has suffered a lot due to climate change.

He said that climate change is also having an adverse effect on the agricultural sector of the country.

Sardar Saleem Haider said the federal and provincial governments are working on various projects to deal with the issue of climate challenge. He said Pakistan has plenty of renewable energy resources. He said there is a need to bring people towards solar energy to deal with the energy crisis.

He informed the British high commissioner about the efforts to solarise the Governor House and universities of Punjab.

He hailed the British government for a water management programme started in different districts of Punjab.

With additional input from APP