LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday met the newly appointed Consul General of China, Sun Yan, in Lahore.
She congratulated Sun on assuming his diplomatic responsibilities in Lahore. During the meeting, the Chinese consul general invited the chief minister to visit China, an invitation that she accepted with thanks. Both sides agreed to further strengthen strategic cooperation and promote the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Maryam appreciated China’s continued defence cooperation with Pakistan and its role in helping ease tensions with other countries, describing the friendship between Pakistan and China as exemplary.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthen Pakistan-China friendship and work together for shared prosperity. Both sides emphasised enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy and information technology while expanding economic and cultural exchanges between the Government of Punjab and Chinese Consulate.
Maryam said China played an important role in Pakistan’s regional security, sovereignty and development. Punjab is keen to strengthen cooperation with Chinese partners in industrial development, technological collaboration and urban management. She highlighted that Punjab aimed to accelerate economic growth through industrialisation, logistics corridors and technology partnerships under the CPEC. The province is developing Special Economic Zones for Chinese investors, including opportunities at the Allama Iqbal Industrial City and Quaid-i-Azam Business Park, where a Garments City is being prepared for Chinese investors.
The CM said Punjab was offering investment opportunities for foreign investors in textiles, agriculture, renewable energy, electric mobility, waste management and information technology. Dedicated China desks and business facilitation centres have been established to support Chinese companies. Economic Zones in Punjab have been designed as industrial gateways for Chinese investment, focusing on export-oriented manufacturing, supply chain integration and long-term industrial partnerships. The plug-and-play Garments City at the Quaid-i-Azam Business Park is being developed with ready infrastructure and utilities to attract foreign investors.
She emphasised that Chinese companies were contributing significantly to technology transfer, industrial diversification and employment generation in the province. Ensuring the security of Chinese citizens and projects remains a priority for the government of Punjab, which is committed to providing a safe and business-friendly environment for Chinese investors. She reiterated Punjab’s interest in expanding cooperation with China in innovation, green development and advanced manufacturing.
Sun Yan said China deeply valued its longstanding friendship with Pakistan. He described Sino-Pakistan relations as a shining example of strategic trust, mutual respect and unwavering solidarity. He appreciated Pakistan’s firm commitment to regional peace, stability and development and expressed interest in further strengthening economic cooperation with businesses and development partners in Punjab.
Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz has ordered a strict crackdown on transporters charging excessive fares from passengers during the upcoming Eidul Fitr travel rush. She directed authorities to ensure strict implementation of notified transport fares across all districts and warned that legal action would be taken against transporters found overcharging passengers.
She instructed deputy commissioners to closely monitor transport operations to prevent excessive fare collection and black marketing. Authorities were also directed to prominently display official fare lists at all bus terminals to ensure transparency for passengers. She directed that arrangements be made for Iftar for fasting passengers travelling during Ramazan. She instructed officials to ensure proper seating arrangements and availability of fans in waiting areas at bus stands to facilitate travellers.
In addition, she directed that cleanliness be ensured at all bus terminals and instructed the Transport Department and other relevant authorities to conduct continuous field inspections to provide relief to the public.
She ordered strict monitoring of markets and bazaars to prevent the movement of anti-social elements during the Eid shopping season. She emphasized that poor passengers returning home for Eid must not be exploited under any circumstances.
