Time is a precious wealth and it waits for none:Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif while addressing the inaugural session of 5^th International Literary Conference at Alhamra Hall said that holding of such conferences will help promote literary activities. He said that saying something in a good manner is an art and such literary conferences play an important role in creating awareness among the youth regarding literature.

He expressed these views while addressing an International Conference on the topic of “Beetay Huai Din Yaad Aatay Hain”. Shahbaz Sharif said that it is an honour for him to attend this conference and he is representing Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

Reviving his memories in view of the topic of the conference Shahbaz Sharif told an incident of Ittefaq Cricket Club. He said that there was a match between Ittefaq Cricket Club and MAO College and he and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif came as openers. He said Sajjad Hussain, who was a class fellow of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was the umpire.

Shahbaz Sharif said a ball of a fast bowler of the opponent team hit him on the pad and the entire team appealed but it was rejected by the umpire despite the fact that he was out. He said when the umpire did not raise his finger, he continued to bat. In the third over of the same bowler a ball leaving the wickets, hit his pad but no one made an appeal. However this time the umpire declared him out and it was pointed out to him by the wicketkeeper.

Shahbaz Sharif said he went to the umpire and asked him why he had given him out when he was not out and why was he not declared out when there was no doubt about that. The umpire replied that he could do nothing as Nawaz Sharif had asked him to give this decision. The Chief Minister said that he had told this story of true love between two brothers.

Shahbaz Sharif said that when Najam Sethi became caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, he reshuffled the entire administration before elections and such a person was appointed Home Minister in the Punjab Caretaker Cabinet who belonged to the opponent party.

Similarly, Najam Sethi posted such a bureaucrat as Additional Secretary in Punjab who had been sent by him to the centre after imposition of Governor’s Rule in Punjab in 2009.

The Chief Minister thanked Najam Sethi for taking these decisions, otherwise, he said there would have been two opinions about those making false propaganda of rigging in the elections. The Chief Minister referring to marriage of Ata ul Haq Qasmi, Chairman Lahore Arts Council said that there are good relations between Qasmi Sahib and his family. We used to offer prayers led by Baha ul Haq Qasmi, father of Ata ul Haq Qasmi.

Shahbaz Sharif in a lighter mood said that Ata ul Haq Qasmi is fond of food and he starts eating without care when food is served.  He said that Justice Retd. Javed Iqbal s/o Allama Iqbal had not become judge but he was taking part in politics.

Shahbaz Sharif said that in 70s, his family had no link with politics but due to love of our family with Dr. Javed Iqbal we fully supported him. As a result Dr. Mubasher Hassan nationalized Ittefaq Foundry.

The Chief Minister said that time is a precious wealth and it waits for none, therefore, it should be spent in the best manner.

Chairman Lahore Arts Council Ata ul Haq Qasmi, renowned writer Intezar Hussain, Abdullah Hussain, Justice Retd. Javed Iqbal, Shamim Hanfi from India and Abul Kalam Qasmi also addressed the conference and refreshed their memories.

Chairman PCB Najam Sethi while referring to problems in the way of his journalistic journey said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif believe in free journalism.

He expressed the hope that both the leaders will strengthen democratic values and put the country on the road to progress and prosperity. Chairman Lahore Arts Council Ata ul Haq Qasmi, presented a shield to Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that government departments and institutions will have to play an active role for the provision of better services to the masses. He said that basic reforms are being introduced in government departments and institutions through information technology to ensure best facilities to the citizens. He said that an effective and vibrant system is essential for providing better services to the people and all departments will evolve a target plan for the next four years.

He was presiding over a meeting regarding public sector management reforms here today. Provincial Ministers Rana Mashhood Ahmed, Tanvir Aslam Malik, Member Provincial Assembly Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Special Assistant Azm-ul-Haq, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development, concerned secretaries and experts attended the meeting.

The meeting considered various proposals for improving performance of government institutions.

Shahbaz Sharif said that provision of best services to the people is the responsibility of the government and Punjab government will spare no effort in this regard. He said that capacity-building of departments is the need of the hour. He said that devolution of power to the lower level with check and balance will result in better services to the citizens.

Shahbaz Sharif said that accountability system is essential for transparency and provision of best services to the citizens and devising of an effective strategy is necessary for this purpose. Commissioner Lahore Division and Director General LDA gave a briefing to the meeting on public sector management reforms and improvement of performance of government institutions.

On the other hand,while presiding over a meeting Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has congratulated political and administrative team on metro train agreement and said that this success is a result of collective efforts which will directly benefit the masses. He said that metro train agreement with China is a big achievement and will bring about a revolution in transport sector.

The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of concerned Provincial Ministers, Chief Secretary Naveed Akram Cheema, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Tauqir Shah, former Secretary Coordination to Chief Minister and current Secretary Higher Education Abdullah Sunbal, Director General Lahore Development Authority Ahad Cheema and other officials and said that it is a result of best team work which has culminated in the form a splendid gift like metro train to Pakistan. He said that it was a dream which will be translated into reality within 27 months.

The Chief Secretary congratulated Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on behalf of provincial administration on the historic project of metro train and said that it is due to his hard work and commitment to the people that Punjab is moving towards progress and prosperity.