Islamabad: Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Leslie Scanlon met with Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Syed Mohsin Naqvi to deliberate on various matters of mutual interest including combating smog in urban areas of Punjab, as per the news on January 19.
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The focus of the discussion was primarily on the proposed agreement between Canada and the government of Punjab concerning the deployment of the province’s workforce to the Commonwealth country. The meeting also covered efforts dedicated to environmental protection, with a specific emphasis on collaborative initiatives to combat smog in urban centers across Punjab. Commending the provincial government’s experimental artificial rain project in Lahore, Scanlon regarded it as a positive development.
During the interaction, the Canadian High Commissioner conveyed optimism about the upcoming visit of the Chief Minister to Canada, anticipating that it would further fortify the bilateral ties between the two countries. Scanlon also suggested an exchange of delegations to enhance and solidify relations.
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In response, Chief Minister Naqvi highlighted the historically friendly ties between Pakistan and Canada. He announced a significant milestone, noting that the agreement would enable the youth of Punjab to seek employment opportunities in Canada for the first time. A delegation from the provincial government is slated to visit Canada later this month for the formal signing of the agreement. Chief Minister Naqvi expressed optimism that this agreement would empower the youth of Punjab to earn their livelihood through honourable means.