Sit-ins have caused serious economic setback to the country: Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that sit-ins have caused serious economic setback to the country. He said that untimely sit-ins have hampered the progress of the country. He said that those involved in sit-ins have no interest in the development and progress of Pakistan and its 18 crore people. He said that due to these sit-ins, the important visit of Chinese President was postponed during which agreements for investment of billions of dollars were to be signed and foundation stone of a number of projects including electricity was to be laid. He said that President and Prime Minister paid visits to China for increasing cooperation and Chinese investment in Pakistan and he also visited China nine times but the politics of sit-ins and chaos has wasted our struggle of one and a quarter years.

He expressed these views while addressing a meeting of Members Assembly of Pakistan Muslim League-N, Gujranwala division. The meeting reviewed development projects, administrative affairs of party and political situation. Provincial Ministers, Chief Secretary, Inspector General Police, secretaries of various departments, heads of development agencies and administrative and police officers of Gujranwala division were also present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister said that the stubbornness of those engaged in sit-ins has caused irreparable loss to national economy and the nation will never forgive them. He said that those staging sit-ins have not only hampered the development of the country but also done open enmity with the nation and the country. He said that country will be steered out of the quagmire of problems through hard work and struggle under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and expressed the hope that it will again be put on the road to progress. He said that the recent flood has caused great loss of cattle, houses and crops in Punjab besides lakhs of people have become homeless and thousands have been deprived of their means of livelihood.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab government, Provincial Ministers, Members Assembly and all other institutions have helped flood affectees for which he is thankful to them. He said that first phase of distribution of financial assistance among flood affectees has been completed successfully and the second phase is being started from October 20 for which arrangements are being given a final shape. He said that the process of rehabilitation of flood affectees will have to be completed with the same spirit as was shown during the provision of relief and assistance to them.

He said that Overseas Pakistani Commission will start work within one month for resolving the issues of overseas Pakistanis. He said that all the departments will have to play their active and vibrant role for resolving the problems of the people. He said that reforms are being brought in police system for changing Thana culture.

Shahbaz Sharif said that the time wasted due to sit-ins will be compensated with hard work and commitment and new spirit. He said that self-accountability system is of utmost importance from upper to lower level. He said that the existing system should deliver according to the aspirations of the people. He said that public representatives should discharge their responsibilities for provision of justice and checking price-hike.

He said that no effort will be spared for the achievement of development targets. He said that monitoring system at district level is very necessary for the provision of best facilities to the people and field officers should perform their duties efficiently.

Members Assembly while paying rich tributes to the public services of Shahbaz Sharif said that they are thankful to Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for his round the clock efforts for the provision of relief and assistance to the flood affectees who are praying for him. They said that people like the politics of public service of PML-N and express confidence in the leadership of PML-N and the government.