German diplomat says CM Shehbaz Sharif a 'visionary leader'

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LAHORE: Martin Kobler — the German Ambassador to Pakistan — on Saturday declared the Chief Minister of Punjab a "visionary leader", citing his leadership of the provincial government, which has worked swiftly with regard to measures for development.

Kobler was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Punjab Gas Power Plant in Jhang.

“For your vision, chief minister, for your energy, for your dynamism, for making this part of your effort to improve the power situation of this country, thank you very much,” the German Ambassador said.

"Congrats for the #jhang power plant of 1263 mw," he wrote about the project "powered by #siemens" on Twitter.

"Great day for Pakistan and Punjab. PM #ShahidKhaqanAbbasi and CM #ShahbazSharif graced the occasion. I attended with Chinese ambassador Yao Jing. Historic day!"

The German Ambassador said Shehbaz Sharif took a personal interest in the completion of various progressive projects and, under his praiseworthy leadership, Punjab had notably advanced.

Sharif's vision, capacity to work, and determination are praiseworthy, he said, adding that the CM Punjab had made a solid effort to eliminate load shedding.

Kobler also commented on how German companies should benefit from projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The day was a historic one for Pakistan, Punjab, and Jhang, as well as for Germany, he noted.

The German envoy said Sharif had a great vision of development in the country and spoke a few words in Urdu, reiterating the slogan of "Long Live Pakistan, Germany, and China".

On this occasion, Stefan Halberstadt — the chief financial officer at Siemens AG (Siemens Aktiengesellschaft) — mentioned that the best performance turbine would be installed for the project.

Halberstadt said Punjab had taken praiseworthy measures to eliminate the power crisis.

Yao Jing — the Chinese Ambassador who was also present at the occasion — said Sharif was giving excellent support for projects under the CPEC or otherwise and had given a lot of facilities.