[:en]OUR CORRESPONDENT
LAHORE: Sri Lankan delegation led by Vidura Wickramanayaka, Minister of Buddhadasna Religious and Cultural Affairs called on Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan at Governor House Lahore.
In the meeting, issues of mutual interest, ways to enhance cooperation in economic, tourism and other sectors between the two countries were discussed.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Punjab Saleem Haider Khan said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have cordial relations. He underscored the need to enhance existing bilateral cooperation between the two countries . The Punjab Governor said that Pakistan is committed to extend cultural ties with Sri Lanka . Governor Punjab said Government of Pakistan has preserved the are ancient Buddhist relics in the historical places Taxila, Takht Bahi and Swat Valley. He said that the Buddhist monuments in Pakistan provides opportunities to increase religious tourism between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Governor Punjab said that there is a need to explore new avenues of cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the economic and tourism sector and ensure sustainable development in the region. He said that we invite Sri Lanka to explore the possibilities of joint ventures in tourism and hospitality sectors and to invest in the tourism sector. Governor Punjab added that Pakistan is committed to promoting peace and cooperation in South Asia.
The head of the delegation said that he is taking away pleasant memories from here. He praised the hospitality of Pakistanis and especially the liveliness of the people of Lahore.
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Later, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan was met a delegation of All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association led by All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association President Kashif Adeeb Jadwani and Malik Riasat at Governor House Lahore.
Speaking on this occasion, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider said that the role of private sector in the promotion of education is commendable and the government is encouraging the private sector at all levels. He said that private schools are sharing burden of government in education sector. Governor Punjab said that we have a large number of male and female students studying in private schools. He said that measures are being taken to provide facilities in government schools and to upgrade them so that the government and the private sector can better fulfill the duty of nurturing the new generation.
On this occasion, Kashif Adeeb Jadwani, Head of All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association informed about the various problems faced by private institutions. He also demanded representation of low-fee private schools in the government advisory committee. Governor Punjab assured that the problems of private school owners and all possible support to solve them.
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In addition, a delegation of Ulema led by Allama Zubair Ahmad Zaheer, head of the Islamic Democratic Party of Pakistan and Ameer of the Central Jamaat Ahl Hadith Pakistan, met with Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan at Governor House Lahore. On this occasion, the Pakistan Peoples’ Party Additional Secretary General and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Special Spokesman Zulfiqar Ali Badar were also present. The delegation comprised Professor Fayaz Ahmad Salafi, Maulana Shoaib Ahmad Qasmi, Mian Muhammad Asghar, Maulana Abdul Sattar Niazi, Maulana Ziaur Rahman Farooqui, Hafiz Muhammad Shahid Faisalabadi and Mian Ehsan Elahi. Allama Zubair Ahmed Zaheer congratulated Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on assuming the office of Governor of Punjab. He said that Peoples’ Party has rendered historic and unprecedented services for the poor people, the ideology of Pakistan and Khatam e Nabuwat (SAW), which the people can never forget. Allama Zubair Ahmad Zaheer said that we will fully support the Pakistan Peoples’ Party at all levels to get the country out of all crises . Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan while appreciating the political, religious and national services of Allama Zubair Ahmad Zaheer and his party said that we appreciate your services for inter-faith unity, stability of Pakistan and national security.[:]