- CM Maryam says Punjab highly values strong ties with Australia, built on mutual respect and enduring friendship
- Directs excellent cleanliness, security arrangements across the province on Independence Day
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday stated that Pakistan highly values its strong relationship with Australia, built on mutual respect and enduring friendship, highlighting the importance of finding more avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz was talking with the outgoing Australian High Commissioner H.E. Neil Hawkins, who held a farewell meeting with her in Lahore. The chief minister praised his distinguished services rendered during his tenure in Pakistan. The discussions encompassed expanding trade in textiles, food processing, minerals, and IT services.
During the occasion, the Chief Minister stressed the special significance of Pakistan-Australia bilateral ties and highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation. She noted that investment, technology transfer, and long-term partnerships are being advanced under the SIFC framework. Both countries are pursuing mutual cooperation in agriculture and livestock sectors.
She articulated optimism about promoting cold-chain logistics to support aquaculture and fisheries imports, pointing to the Australian agricultural mission’s visit to Pakistan last July as evidence of deep mutual cooperation in the agri-trade sector. She added that thousands of people from Punjab in Australia have contributed to development opportunities and strengthened ties.
She affirmed that Punjab is part of Pakistan’s growing strategic partnership with Australia and that both nations are collaborating to address global climate-change challenges. Australia remains an important destination for Pakistani students.
Emphasizing parliamentary and economic cooperation, she highlighted vast opportunities for Australian investors in Punjab’s IT and tourism sectors. The Punjab government pledged full support to Australian investors seeking to invest in the province. She also stressed water conservation efforts, noting that saving every drop of rainwater is essential and that the government is taking steps to optimize usage.
She underscored the importance of protecting the lives and property of minorities as a national duty. Pakistan, endowed with rich mineral resources, aims to ensure their prudent utilization while restoring city aesthetics and removing encroachments.
Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins remarked that Australia and Pakistan are trusted friends and important economic partners.
Excellent Cleanliness Arrangements on ‘Jashn-e-Azadi’
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed excellent cleanliness arrangements across the province on Independence Day. She directed all the departments to provide best facilities to the people during Independence Day celebrations. She also directed to ensure best security and traffic arrangements at public places in view of the arrival of families to celebrate Independence Day.
The Punjab CM directed the district administration across Punjab to fully support civic organizations on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations.
The beauty of areas and buildings was enhanced by installing electric lights and lamps. The beautiful scenes of decoration and embellishment in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, Kotli Sattian, Jhang, Layyah, Sialkot, Muridke, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Jhelum, Chakwal and Attock also provided an opportunity of entertainment and rejoice to the citizens. Bazaars, streets, roads and intersections were also decorated in Faisalabad, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Mandi Bahauddin and Sargodha. National monuments were also illuminated. As evening falls, citizens come out on the streets to see the lamps and festivities to celebrate Independence Day.
