Punjab province of Pakistan and the Walkfree Foundation today entered into a partnership for working in diverse areas including initiatives in the energy sector.
Under this public private partnership, help would be extended to the Punjab province government to conduct a feasibility study on conversion of lignite coal to diesel.
Technology developed by Australian companies and, in particular, the Curtin University of Western Australia, would be used for the conversion, according to a statement.
Also Read
The agreement for the partnership was inked here today on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Andrew Forrest, Chairman and Founder of Fortescue Metals Group and Chairman of Walk Free Foundation and Minderoo, would provide 'pro bono' assistance to Punjab to conduct the feasibility study.
Commenting on the arrangement, the Vice Chancellor of Curtin University said: "The University is delighted to be working with the Minderoo Foundation to deliver technology that will be used to help the people of Pakistan."
Punjab government has committed to work with Forrest's international anti-slavery non-profit Walk Free Foundation.
"I am delighted to announce that Punjab is committed to becoming the first province in Pakistan to completely eradicate slavery," Chief Minister Shabaz Sharif was quoted as saying.
Forrest said that exchanges on new coal to liquid technology to rebuild Pakistan's economy have progressed in parallel with a broader humanitarian agreement to rid the area of the scourge of slavery.
