Former president Rafique Ahmad Tarar calls on CM Punjab

Lahore: Former President Justice (R) Rafique Tarar, Minister of State for Religious Affairs Pir Ameen-ul-Hasnat and prominent personalities from different walks of life met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here today and presented cheques for 2.50 crore rupees for Chief Minister’s Flood Relief Fund. Former President Rafique Tarar gave four lakh rupees, Minister of State for Religious Affairs Pir Ameen-ul-Hasnat five lakh rupees, Zia Amjad Hussain of Soneri Bank one crore rupees, Chief Executive Officer Lotte Chemical Mr. Lee and Chief Executive Officer Lotte Kolson Abdul Latif five lakh rupees.

Member National Assembly Iffat Liaqat Ali and former MPA Ch. Liaqat Ali gave cheques for Rs. 24 lakh, Tariq Ullah Sufi, Khalid Hadayat Sufi and Tanveer Ahmed Sufi Rs. 20 lakh, former MPA Rana Iqbal four lakh rupees, Chairman Punjab Textbook Board Lahore Nawazish Ali Rs. 60 lakh and Sheraz Waheed of Shahnawaz Limited Rs. 25 lakh.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister commended the humanitarian spirit of the well-to-do persons for the help and assistance of flood affectees. He said that Punjab government has set an example by completing the rehabilitation work of flood affectees within days. He said that historic package of 16 billion rupees has been given for compensating the losses of the flood-hit people. He said that except the elements staging sit-ins, the whole nation stood by the distressed people and while the people were inundated, celebrations were being held on container in Islamabad.

He said that the nation faced the worst flood of the history with courage and sincerity. He said that Punjab government and concerned institutions faced this challenge with courage. He said that federal and Punjab government of PML-N spared no effort for the help and assistance of the distressed people. He said that Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and he also visited flood-hit areas for several days. A special prayer was also offered on this occasion for national progress and prosperity.

Meanwhile, Members National and Provincial Assembly of various district met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif here today. They apprised the Chief Minister of ongoing development schemes and welfare programmes in their respective areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that the politics of chaos and confrontation has damaged the image of the country. He said that those creating hurdles in the public welfare projects through protest should revisit their negative attitudes. The Chief Minister said that the nation will never forgive those creating hurdles in welfare programmes and development of the country. He said that 18 crore people of the country have totally rejected the negative politics, protests and sit-ins. He said that PML(N) government is determined to steer the country out of quagmire of problems.

Shahbaz Sharif said that people have given us mandate of serving the masses and will come up to their expectations. He expressed the hope that the country will soon overcome the crisis. He said that the loss caused to the economy due to sit-ins will be made up through hard work.

Assembly Members who met the Chief Minister included Tahir Bashir Cheema, Bilal Virk, Zahid Akram, Sajjad Haider Gujjar, Muhammad Anees Qureshi, Rana Abdul Sattar Khan and Bilal Akbar Bhatti. MPA Mansha Ullah Butt, former MNA Saood Majeed and Political Secretary to Chief Minister Afzal Bhatti were also present on the occasion.