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LAHORE: Chief Investment Officer of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Konstantin Limitovskiy on Tuesday called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and discussed with her matters of mutual interest and enhancement of institutional cooperation.
AIIB Director General Xiaohong Yang was also present in the meeting. The chief minister briefed the delegation about record development projects being undertaken in Punjab and offered the bank partnership in development projects. She said the Punjab government’s Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme was appreciated during the 13th session of the Baku Urban Forum, adding that more than 100,000 houses had been constructed within one year under the programme. She said electric bus and e-bike programmes are being successfully implemented across every part of Punjab. The chief minister appreciated the AIIB’s cooperation on signing an MoU for improvement of water and sanitation infrastructure in Lahore, saying that mutual agreements reflect the bank’s confidence in Punjab’s development and reform agenda.
She said the Lahore Wastewater and Drainage Management Project, including the sewerage network and wastewater treatment plant at Babu Sabu, would help improve the drainage system. The AIIB’s support for the proposed surface water treatment plant at the BRBD Canal is valuable and cooperation with the bank will bring positive changes in urban culture. She said Punjab is moving rapidly towards environmental protection and improvement in public health, adding that the province is heading towards a new model of urban governance.
“Data planning, technology monitoring and climate-smart infrastructure will improve the lifestyle of people,” she said, adding that provision of clean water, healthcare and an efficient transport system are among the priorities of the Punjab government. The CM welcomed Konstantin Limitovskiy to Lahore, describing the city as Pakistan’s cultural hub, and said the Punjab government values its partnership with the bank.
Separately, Maryam Nawaz has felicitated all pilgrims present at Haram Sharif for performing the sacred obligation of Haj. In a message, she appealed to pilgrims and Muslims across the world to pray for global peace, harmony and security. She made a special appeal for prayers for the stability, solidarity and safety of Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah. She prayed for the acceptance of worship and supplications of pilgrims and the Muslim Ummah. She said the Haj congregation symbolises unity, mutual harmony and the spirit of sacrifice among Muslims.
