LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif has urged the Ulema to play their due role for the promotion of peace and religious harmony in the society. He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of Ulema led by Jamia-tul-Muntazir head, Maulana Syed Niaz Hussain Naqvi on Friday. The CM said Pakistan is passing through a critical phase and facing the threat of extremism and terrorism. He said that there is a need for sinking our petty differences and promote tolerance and brotherhood in the interest of national solidarity and spread the message of peace and love in every nook and corner of the country. He said the whole nation will have to unite on a single platform for the stability of the country and elimination of terrorism and foiling the nefarious designs of anti-Pakistan elements. He said that present situation demands promotion of sectarian harmony to foil the designs of the elements who are bent upon weakening the foundations of the country. He said that government is attaching top priority to the maintenance of peace, as it is a prerequisite for rapid progress and development. He said that all available resources are being utilised for the protection of life and property of citizens. He said that Ulema are held in deep respect and esteem in the society, therefore, they should come forward and play an exemplary role for the solidarity and integrity of the country. The CM also issued instructions to the authorities concerned to take necessary measures for the solution of the problems brought to his notice by the Ulema. Those who met the Chief Minister included Maulana Dr Syed Muhammad Najfi, Maulana Afzal Haideri and Maulana Nusrat Abbas Shahani. Pakistan and china collaboration research stressed There is a dire need of collaboration and cooperation between China and Pakistan in the field of academics, research and media. This was the crux of the discussion during a Chinese media delegations visit to Punjab University Institute of Communication Studies on Friday. Four member media delegation was headed by Beijing Review Editor-in-Chief Gangyi Wang. Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran, Dr Mughees-ud-Din, Dr Ahsan Akhtar Naz, Col (r) Ikram Ullah, Ms Maria and ICS faculty members was also present on the occasion. Mr Wang said before coming to Pakistan he was searching information about Pakistan on internet and found that 70 per cent information projected by the western media was showing disaster and other negative things about Pakistan. He said media must dispel the impression created by the wrong interpretation of the western media. Speaking on the occasion the PU VC said China was the pride of Asia because it has great history, art and it has contributed much in the field of science and technology. He said PU would send more teachers to china for research and PhDs. We will be happy to launch students and teachers exchange program with the Chinese universities, Dr Kamran said. He said PU Urdu Department attracts good number of Chinese students every year. He said Chinese food was very popular in Pakistan. Dr Kamran said he was personally very impressed from the personality of late Chinese leader Mao. Dr Mughees said Pak-China relationship was time tested. If there is a question, who is the best friend of Pakistan? the answer will be China. He said Pakistan has always supported Chinese interests. He said Pak-China collaboration was very beneficial for both countries.