LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met the new US Consul General in Lahore, Stetson Sanders, on Thursday.
“Pak-US relations are built on a reliable, stable, and far-reaching partnership spanning several decades,” said Maryam Nawaz during her meeting with the consul-general. The two discussed matters of mutual interest, including trade relations, energy, technology, agriculture and educational exchanges.
She said, “The US is Pakistan’s largest trading partner and a dependable economic ally. The Pakistani-American community forms a strong link in fostering people-to-people ties between the two nations.” She also appreciated former US President Donald Trump’s efforts to mediate between Pakistan and India during their recent armed conflict.
Welcoming Sanders to Lahore, the chief minister congratulated him on his appointment as consul-general. “The Government of Punjab is prioritising the development of water-efficient farming, precision agriculture, and cold chain infrastructure. American agricultural technology companies can explore numerous investment opportunities in these areas,” she said.
Highlighting infrastructure initiatives, Maryam said, “A new electric train equipped with the latest technology is being introduced in Punjab,” and added, “Public-sector housing will be completed within a few months under the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ programme.”
She said, “The appointment of Stetson Sanders comes at a time when positive progress is being witnessed in Pakistan-US relations. People-to-people contacts, trade cooperation, and shared interests have further strengthened the Pak-US partnership.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, while witnessing the signing of an MoU between the agriculture department and GCI for the management
of Model Agriculture Malls in Multan, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, and Sahiwal said development of farmers is Pakistan’s development.
She said that farmers will receive one-stop solutions at these malls and added that all four will become functional within 45 days.
“Agricultural inputs, loans, and various services will be provided to farmers under one roof,” she said, adding, “Modern agricultural machinery and tractor services will be made available at Model Agriculture Farms, and the latest machinery will also be offered on rent to promote mechanized farming.” The chief minister announced that drone spraying services will also be provided and revealed that Model Agriculture Malls will be set up in 10 additional districts for farmers convenience.
Also, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid rich tribute to Major Rizwan Tahir, Naik Ibne Amin, and Lance Naik Muhammad Younis, who were martyred in the Mastung blast, terming their sacrifices “immortal.”
