LAHORE: Punjab has promised to ensure the safety of Chinese investors in the province, says Information Minister Azma Bokhari.

“Chinese companies will soon begin operations in Punjab. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz (during her visit to China) promised to ensure the safety of Chinese investors,” Bokhari told a presser here on Tuesday.

She said Maryam was the only CM in the country’s history who received head of the state protocol in China.

Maryam was on an official visit to China from Dec 8 to 15. During her visit, she toured four cities in China and held several meetings.

Azma Bokhari said tractors in China were robotic, and soon, Pakistani farmers would have access to the equipment used globally.

The CM had invited China to collaborate on transportation in Punjab. “Around 700 electric buses will be purchased from China, and the first fleet is expected to arrive in Lahore soon,” she said.

The information minister said a five-year plan had been devised to shift all transportation to electric vehicles.

“The CM also granted permission to the Chinese company, Jinko, to set up a solar plant in Punjab. Over 60 companies responded positively to investment opportunities in Punjab, with some projects valued at $500 million.”

She said the Punjab government had planned to make Lahore a smart city, which would soon be one of the most advanced cities globally.

To a question about hefty raise in the salaries of members of provincial assembly, Azma Bokhari said salaries had not been increased since 2019.

“Ministers have to pay a tax of Rs350,000. How (an MPA) could live by Rs190,000 per month salary,” she asked and added having a good salary was not a bad thing if there were no other sources of income. She said the CM did not take salary.

Azma Bokhari said charging stations would soon be available in Lahore for electric bikes for students.

She said advanced cancer treatment technology from China was being brought to Lahore. She said the province would progress further if the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf shunned politics of agitation.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2024