Rocca appreciates Punjab’s social sector reforms

LAHORE: US Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs, Christina Rocca Wednesday said that America and Pakistan have deep-rooted relations.

She also appreciated the measures taken by the government of Punjab for the promotion of social sector in the province.

She observed this while talking to Punjab Chief Minister, Ch. Pervaiz Elahi at Chief Minister’s Secretariat. US Consul General in Lahore Brian Heath and Punjab Chief Secretary Salman Siddique were also present on this occasion.

Ch. Pervaiz Elahi said that due to effective implementation of Punjab Education Sector Reforms Programme, the ratio of enrolment of students in schools has considerably improved, which is a clear proof of the success of this programme. He said free education upto matriculation has resulted in reduction in the dropout rate in schools as well as burden of educational expenditure on parents.

He said uplift of education sector could greatly help in poverty alleviation as well as promotion of an attitude of tolerance and restraint in the society. He said that the real spirit of Islam is peace, justice and promotion of human values in the society.

The Chief Minister further said that free medical facilities are being provided to the patients in all teaching hospitals of Punjab besides district and Tehsil headquarter hospitals and basic health units are being up graded. He said an international standard cancer hospital is being constructed in Lahore where all necessary facilities would be available to the patients free of cost.

He said a cardiology institute is being set up at a cost of Rs. one billion in Multan and services of international experts in this field will be acquired for the institute, which will cater to the medical needs of patients of Southern Punjab and Sindh. The Chief Minister further said that agriculture sector is of key importance in our national economy. He said that Pakistan has the best canal network in the world, which is being further upgraded with the help of World Bank. He said that loans are also being provided for the promotion of agri sector and prosperity of farming community. He said that in order to promote a sense of security among the citizen and elimination of heinous crimes, police patrolling posts system has been introduced which will result in safety of travel on highways. The Chief Minister thanked US government for sending medical teams and helicopters for the rescue and relief of earthquake victims.