LAHORE British Deputy High Commissioner in Pakistan, Peter Tibber called on Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at Chief Ministers Secretariat, here Monday and discussed with him matters of mutual interest as well as cooperation in various sectors during the meeting. Deputy Speaker Rana Mashhood Ahmad, Chairman Special Initiatives Haroon Khawaja, Vice Chairman Punjab Investment Board Pir Saad Ahsanuddin and Secretary Information were also present on the occasion. Talking to the British Deputy High Commissioner, the Chief Minister said that Pakistan is facing serious energy crisis and shortage of electricity is badly affecting industrial, agricultural, trade and other sectors. He said that there is need to plan on war-footing for generation of energy for the development and prosperity of the country and Punjab government is launching various projects of power generation. He said that special attention is being paid to the projects of power generation through hydel, solar, waste, windmill and coal. He said that a 120mw hydel power project is being set up at Taunsa Barrage while generation of energy from sugarcane waste is also being considered. He said that a separate department is also being set up for the speedy implementation of power generation projects. He said that Pakistan is rich in natural resources and there are also large coal reserves. He said that a plant would be set up in Dera Ghazi Khan for power generation from coal and an agreement has been reached with Balochistan government for the supply of coal. He said that there are vast opportunities of power generation through development of natural resources. Similarly, he said, there are bright prospects of investment in energy and other sectors and the friendly countries should come forward for the development of various sectors in the Pakistan. He said that Asian Development Bank is also cooperating in various projects of power generation. The CM further said that Punjab government is utilizing all available resources for rapid development of the province, provision of basic amenities to the masses and uplifting their lifestyle. He said that third-party audit policy is strictly being implemented for ensuring quality completion of development projects in a transparent manner. He said IT Labs in more than 4,000 schools of the province have been set up and this project, executed with the help of international companies at a cost of Rs 5 billions, will help the students gain latest knowledge and information about the global trends. He said that a revolutionary project of Danish School system has also been initiated for the provision of modern educational facilities in far-flung and backward areas of the province. The poor male and female students will be provided free educational facilities at these centres of excellence. He said that Punjab Educational Endowment Fund has been established to provide financial assistance to talented students facing economic problems in continuing their educational activities. He said that Pakistani nation has reshaped history by rendering invaluable sacrifices in the war against terrorism and Pak Army has set glorious examples of courage and bravery. He said that besides elimination of terrorism and maintenance of law and order, promotion of social and economic activities and provision of justice to the people of the areas where military operation has been conducted is of vital importance. He said that Musharrafs policies intensified the problem of terrorism as no attention was paid to economic and social aspects for resolving this issue. He said that Pakistani nation is united to root out the menace of terrorism and peace and normalcy will soon return to the country. British Deputy High Commissioner Peter Tibber assured cooperation to the Chief Minister in energy, education and other sectors.