Shahbaz Sharif mulls over shortage of graveyards in Punjab

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif presided over a high level meeting here today which reviewed the problems relating to graveyards in the province. Members Assembly Khawaja Saad Rafique, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Hafiz Muhammad Nauman, Haji Allah Rakha, Commissioner Lahore Division, Director General LDA and other concerned officials were present.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that the need for new graveyards has increased due to growing population while the capacity of the existing graveyards has reduced. He said that this important issue cannot be ignored. He said that Punjab government has evolved a comprehensive project for the provision of necessary facilities in the existing graveyards as well as constructions of new graveyards in the provincial metropolis as well as thickly populated cities of the province. He said that while constructing new graveyards it should be kept in view that the persons coming for the burial of the dead body should not face any problem. He said that Punjab government will provide funds required for new graveyards to the district governments on priority basis. He said that ablution places, toilet, electricity as well as facility for the transportation of the dead body will also be provided in the graveyards. He directed that boundary-walls should be constructed around the graveyards while security arrangements should be further improved. He said that land has been identified for new graveyards in different areas in Lahore. He directed Commissioner Lahore Division to expedite the process of acquisition of land.

Member National Assembly Khawaja Saad Rafique and Commissioner Lahore Division Jawad Rafique Malik gave a briefing to the Chief Minister regarding the project of new graveyards.