Pak-China friendship have entered new phase of cooperative partnership: Senate Chairman

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani has said that the friendship between Pakistan and China has now entered into a new phase of cooperative partnership, and the two sides have always treated each other as trusted friends, extended support in testing times and both Islamabad and Beijing want regional development and prosperity. 

In a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing, the chairman Senate said that the political leadership is unanimous on further strengthening bilateral ties and places relations with China at high esteem.

He said that Asia is rising and becoming the epicenter of economic activities in which China has a crucial role to play. He observed that the fast changing geo-political situation calls for peaceful resolution of issues hampering development, and underscored the need to make joint efforts for the socio-economic prosperity of the region.

The chairman Senate also invited the ambassador about the upcoming meeting of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), Political Affairs Committee meeting in Gwadar.

He said the venue of this meeting is highly important as Gwadar would the future hub of trade and economic activities and would impact the development of the whole region.

The Chinese envoy thanked him for participating in the National Day celebration at Chinese embassy, and also informed about the visit of the Chinese Minister for International Development.

Mr Sanjrani said that the visit of such a high ranking dignitary is extremely important as both sides would get an opportunity to discuss ways to boost bilateral cooperation and explore new avenues.

Meeting with representatives of flour mills association

Earlier, in another meeting with representatives of Flour Mills Association on Tuesday, Chairman Senate called upon the government to create conducive environment and level playing field for industrial growth and resolving issues that have hampered the pace of development.

Mr Sanjrani said that the flour mills are faced with some crucial problems and there is need to address those issues as they affect the performance of the industry.

He said the industry is providing employment to thousands of people directly and indirectly and there is a need to create a supportive environment to boost the sector.

Representatives of the flour mills association briefed the about the issues faced by the industry. The chairman Senate sought proposals from the association to create an industry friendly environment and further enable it to play more robust role in the overall socio-economic development of the country.

Employee’s welfare essential to improve institutional efficiency

In a separate meeting chairman Senate, while chairing meeting of the Executive Committee of the Senate secretariat Employees Welfare Fund, said that welfare of the employees is highly important to bring improvement in service delivery and institutional efficiency.

Sanjrani observed that employees are considered to be the backbone and asset of any organisation and therefore, it is highly imperative to give proper attention to the welfare and well being of the work force.

The meeting was briefed by Secretary Senate Amjad Pervez Malik about the welfare fund and its aims and objectives. Members of the committee emphasised the need for enhancing the financial strengthen of the fund to provide maximum support to the needy employees, especially the low paid staff.

The committee also approved different applications pertaining to medical treatment, death of family members, marriage and other grants. The committee was informed that the Senate Secretariat Employees Welfare Fund was established in 1990 and is governed by relevant rules. They were also briefed about the sources of funding and contribution to the fund.