Muhammad Usman
British High Commissioner Dr Christian Turner called on Speaker Punjab Assembly Ch Pervaiz Elahi and MNA Moonis Elahi at their residence here on Tuesday.
On the occasion, British High Commission Political Secretary Harry Thomson and Commonwealth Development Officer Jinal Shah were also present.
The British HC enquired after the health of Ch Shujaat Hussain and expressed good wishes for his health and early recovery. He also exchanged views about the prevailing political situation and matters of mutual interest. Dr Christian Turner lauded the political acumen and wisdom of Chaudhrys and expressed his respect for them.
The British HC said that democratic act of empowering Standing Committees of the Punjab Assembly for the first time is quite an appreciable step. He said that Britain is assisting Pakistan in the health and education sectors and adequate funds have also been allocated, which will help build capacity and infrastructure of both these sectors.
Dr Turner said that as soon as the federal government approves it, provinces should complete the process of legislation soon.
The British HC also invited Ch Shujaat Hussain, Ch Pervaiz Elahi and Moonis Elahi to visit the British High Commission.
Ch Pervaiz Elahi expressed gratitude to Dr Christian Turner and lauded his role in strengthen bilateral tied between the UK and Pakistan. He also thanked the HC for resumption of British Airways flight to Lahore and Islamabad. He also appreciated Dr Turner’s efforts for promotion of tourism in Northern Areas and other places in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri and Khateeb Badshahi Masjid Abul Khabeer Azad called on Speaker Punjab Assembly Ch Pervaiz Elahi at his residence and enquired after the health of Ch Shujaat Hussain.
On this occasion Senator Kamil Ali Agha was also present. Expressing his gratitude, Ch Pervaiz Elahi said that presently the country needs peace and brotherhood, underscoring the need for Ulema belonging to all schools of thoughts to gather at one platform to ensure security, stability and peace in the country. He stressed that Ulema would have to foil all conspiracies by promoting cohesion and brotherhood. “Unity is the need of the hour to frustrate evil designs of the enemy and it’s the only tool to fight all evils,” he added.
Ch Pervaiz Elahi said that the ulema can resolve all complicated problems with their wisdom and unity. On the occasion, the federal minister said that he is happy to know Elahi’s pain for the promotion of Islam. “The house of Chaudhrys is known for upholding Islamic civilization and values, they are being held in honour and respect by the Ulema”, he pointed out.
Maulana Abul Khabeer Azad said that for the recovery of health of Ch Shujat Hussain special prayers were offered on Friday.
