Shahbaz Sharif reviews the pace of public welfare projects

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Punjab government is following the policy of balanced development of urban and rural areas and billions of rupees have been allocated for the uplift of backward areas. He said that special attention is being paid to the provision of basic amenities to the masses and ten percent higher quota has been allocated for the districts of south Punjab under Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads Programme.

He was presiding over a high level meeting, here today which reviewed the pace of public welfare projects in the province.

The Chief Minister said that ten percent higher quota has been reserved for the development and prosperity of districts of south Punjab in all programmes. He said that similar policy has been adopted for the repair and rehabilitation of rural roads of south Punjab under Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads programme which reflects the policy of balanced development of the Punjab government.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads programme is a historic project for the progress and prosperity of rural economy and augurs well for rural population. He said that revolutionary programme of construction and repair of rural roads will change the lifestyle of the people of villages and will equally benefit farmers, workers, students and rural population.

He further said that similarly, south Punjab and backward areas are being given preference under Saaf Pani project and billions of rupees are being utilized for the supply of potable water in these areas.

The Chief Minister said that modern infrastructure and transport is essential for speedy development, therefore, Punjab government is paying full attention to provision of modern infrastructure and latest transport facilities in Lahore and other cities of the province. He said that after success of metro bus service in Lahore and Rawalpindi, work is in progress on metro bus project in Multan while construction activities are in progress expeditiously on Orange Line Metro Train Project which is a precious gift of the Chinese government for the people of Pakistan and will change the transport culture. He said that lakhs of people reach their destination through metro buses daily whereas dignified and speedy transport facilities will become available to the common man through metro train.

Kh. Ahmad Hasaan, Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal, MD Punjab Mass Transit Authority, Commissioner Lahore Division, Secretary Information, DG LDA, DCO Lahore and concerned authorities were present on the occasion.