Pakistan, China committed to cooperate in installation of air purification towers

Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi on Monday assured Consul General of China Mr Zhao Shire that provincial government would extend every possible cooperation for a new Chinese consulate. Consul General of China Mr Zhao Shiren called on Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi at his office and discussed issues of mutual interest, increasing cooperation in various fields, especially controlling smog on Monday.

It was agreed in principle to promote cooperation regarding the installation of air purification towers to control smog.

These towers will also be used for early flood warnings and other purposes.

The Punjab government has also imposed an environmental emergency to control smog, he added.

The Chinese consul general announced a scholarship of six million rupees for the students of Punjab this year and presented a three crore rupees cheque for flood relief. Parvez Elahi thanked the Chinese government and the consul general and said that the Punjab government is thankful for the financial support of the flood victims.

The federal government has not given a penny to the Punjab government for the rehabilitation and resettlement of the flood victims; he mentioned and added that the provincial government is resettling the flood victims with its resources.

The provincial government would extend every possible cooperation for a new Chinese consulate, he stated.

The consul general thanked CM Parvez Elahi for the assurance of support regarding the new consulate and said that the Chinese scholarship for Punjab students would be further enhanced from next year. Punjab has a very favorable environment for investment and Chinese companies want to invest in Punjab. All possible measures will continue to increase cooperation in various fields, he added.

The consul general also invited CM Parvez Elahi to visit the consulate and embassy.

The Chief of the Political Section of the Chinese Consul General Mr Yan Yang was also present. Chief Secretary Abdullah Khan Sumbal, Senior Member Board of Revenue Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Former principal secretary GM Sikandar, former president Bank of Punjab Hamesh Khan, secretary environment, Zeeshan Zakaria and others were also present.