LAHORE, Sept 15: British Justice Secretary Jack Straw called on Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif here on Monday and discussed matters of mutual interest.

Mr Sharif briefed the guest on steps being taken by the government for the development of the province especially in education and health sectors.

He said the country was facing a wave of terrorism which was hindering economic progress.

Mr Straw said his country valued solidarity of Pakistan and wanted to see it as a stable state because a large number of people of Pakistani origin lived in Britain and they were well-wishers of this country.

He hoped that relations between the two countries would strengthen in days to come.

Mr Straw’s Lahore itinerary includes a meeting with members of the legal community for sharing legal and judicial experiences.

The visit is intended to help deepen cooperation between the governments on judicial and legal issues, including human rights and legal reforms.

In Islamabad, Mr Straw will open the Fazaldad Human Rights Institute of Teachers’ Training.

He will also call on Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Law Minister Farooq H. Naek.