HOPES: Sukhbir says, joint business meeting would transform economic landscape of whole region

Lahore/Chandigarh, November 9, 2012:The Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today concluded his five day visit to Pakistan that resulted in major Punjab-Punjab initiatives that according to him “could transform the economic landscape of whole region”.

Speaking in state reception held in his honour by Chief Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif, in which over 4000 prominent citizen of Punjab including 2900 players participated, he received an standing ovation from all guests when he said that he was so much touched by love of the people that “Hun Vapas Jan Noon Dil Nahin Karda”.

Badal said that he was emotionally touched by unprecedented love, affection and care showered by Pak Punjab Government and people of Pakistan and was fully indebted to the people of Pakistan.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that days of battle of bullets are over and now both Punjab’s have to collectively excel in the economic battle. He said that both countries would have to collectively wage a war against unemployment, economic deprivation and poverty that could be only ensured by collective efforts of both Punjabs’. He said that my visit to Pakistan  has sent a message of peace to all over the world.

Speaking about the economic initiatives taken by both Punjab during last four days, Badal said that ‘Joint Business Committee’ constituted by both Punjab’s is going to be game changer and it would change the economic landscape of whole region, He said that once Wagah was given full port status besides Hussaniwala, Fazilka and Khemkaran borders were also opened for trade and traffic, the both Punjab would emerge as ‘Economic Hub’ of South East Asia.

Lauding the development works by the Pak Punjab Government, he said that he had come to Pakistan in 1990’s and was now surprised to see total transformation of Lahore and Punjab during last ten years. He said that he was quite impressed by ‘Solid Waste Management system and BRT system of Lahore and would like to replicate the same in Indian Punjab.

Inviting Shahbaz Sharif and his whole cabinet for the final ceremony of 3rd edition of world cup kabaddi to be organized in December, Badal said that mutual visits of Cabinets to each-others country could further strengthen the bonds of love and friendship between both Punjab. Sharif agreed to be Chief Guest in the Finals of World Cup Kabaddi to be held on December 2013.

Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif said that as he met Sukhbir Singh Badal during the inauguration of Integrated Check Post, he was impressed with his vision for development and desire for strengthening trade, commerce and sports ties between both countries. He said that he was grateful that Badal accepted his invitation to be Chief Guest in Punjab Youth Festival 2012 in which 2900 players from 26 countries gave a message to whole world that everything was safe in Pakistan. He also gifted Neeli Ravi buffalo to Sukhbir Singh Badal and accepted graciously the tractor gifted by Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.

In two hour long cultural bonanza was organised at Shalamar Bagh that was hit with fancy lighting for this special occasion as Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal entered Shalamar Bagh people lined up kilometers waiving flags of India and Pakistan and chanting slogans of Sukhbir Singh Badal Zindabad.

On Friday, Shahbaz Sharif hosted a breakfast for Badal and Harsimrat Badal at his private residence.