China’s outgoing consul general praises Shehbaz Sharif’s performance as CM

LAHORE: The departing consul general of China in Lahore, Long Dingbin, on Tuesday heaped praise on the former chief minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif, saying his contributions as Punjab’s chief minister for CPEC projects was “impressive”.

In his letter, dated January 25th 2021, the Chinese envoy termed the former Punjab CM an “old friend of China” and added that he was impressed by his devotion for the CPEC projects.

“You made the CPEC project in Punjab realised, which not only created impressive Punjab speed (for development) but embodied the profound bilateral friendship,” Mr Long said.

“The PML-N is always a great friend of Chinese Communist Party whether in power or as an opposition party.”

“I am sure, as a leader of National Assembly you [Shehbaz] will continue to work as always to promote the friendship of our two parties, our two nations and our two people,” the Chinese official added.

The Chinese consul general concluded his letter wishing Shehbaz good health and a success.

A moment of pride for Pakistan

In a statement, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb termed the letter of the Chinese consul general to Shahbaz Sharif a moment of pride for Pakistan.

She said a great friend like China is testifying to Shahbaz Sharif’s transparency, honesty, integrity and the hard work done under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership.

“At a time when every sector of the country is nose-diving, this letter is a much needed matter of pride for every Pakistani,” Marriyum said.

This letter is a slap in the face of all those behind baseless and politically-motivated cases against Shahbaz, she said.