Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has said that Asia is rising and becoming the epicenter of economic activities in which China has a crucial role to play. He observed that the friendship between Pakistan and China has now entered into a new phase of cooperative partnership and the two sides have always treated each other as trusted friends and extended support in testing time and both Islamabad and Beijing want regional development and prosperity. The Chairman Senate expressed these views in a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing at the Parliament House.

Sajrani said that the political leadership is unanimous on further strengthening bilateral ties and places relations with China at high esteem. He observed that the fast changing geo political situation calls for peaceful resolution of issues hampering development. He underscored the need to make joint efforts for the socio-economic prosperity of the region. Chairman Senate also informed the Ambassador about the upcoming meeting of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), Political Affairs Committee meeting in Gwadar and said that the delegation from Chinese side should participate in this important meeting. He said that the venue of this meeting is highly important as Gwadar would the future hub of trade and economic activities and would impact the development of the whole region.

Chinese Ambassador thanked the Chairman Senate for participation in the National Day Celebration at Chinese Embassy and said that participation and speech of Chairman Senate was extremely important as he gave some important suggestions which would go a long way in further consolidating ties between the iron brothers. The Envoy informed the Chairman Senate about the visit of the Chinese Minister for International Development. Sadiq Sanjrani said that the visit of such a high ranking government functionary is extremely important as both sides would get an opportunity to discuss ways and means to boost bilateral cooperation and explore new avenues.

Earlier, in another meeting with representatives of Flour Mills Association, Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has called upon the government to create conducive environment and level playing field for the industrial growth and resolve issues that have hampered the pace of development. Senate Chairman was talking to a delegation of flour mills association. Senator Ahmad Khan was also present.

Sanjrani said that the flour mills are faced with some crucial problems and there is need to address those issues as they retard the performance of the industry. He said that the industry is providing employment to thousands of people directly and indirectly and there is need to create a supportive environment to boost the sector.

Representatives of the flour mills association briefed the Chairman Senate about the issues faced by the industry. The Chairman Senate sought proposals from the association to further take up at appropriate level to create industry friendly environment and further enable it to play more robust role in the overall socio-economic development of the country.

Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, while chairing meeting of the Executive Committee of the Senate secretariat Employees Welfare Fund has said that welfare of the employees is highly important to bring about improvement in the service delivery and institutional efficiency. He said this while presiding over a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Senate Secretariat Employees Welfare Fund.

Sadiq Sanjrani observed that employees are considered to be the back bone and asset of any organization and therefore, it is highly imperative to give proper attention to the welfare and wellbeing of the work force. The meeting was given briefing by Secretary Senate Amjed Pervez Malik about the Welfare Fund, its aims and objectives. Members of the Committee emphasized the need for enhancing the financial strengthen of the fund with a view to provide maximum support to the needy employees, especially the low paid staff.

The Committee also approved different applications pertaining to medical treatment, death of family member, marriage and other grants. The Committee was informed that the Senate Secretariat Employees Welfare Fund was established in 1990 and the fund is governed by relevant rules. The Committee was also briefed in detail about the sources of funding and contribution to the fund.

Chairman Senate and members of the Committee appreciated Secretary Senate and the team for transparently disbursing the amount among the applicants.