A students’ delegation from Harvard University called on Punjab CM

Lahore : A students’ delegation from Harvard University called on Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here today. While talking to the delegation, the Chief Minister said that in Quaid-e-Azam’s Pakistan there is no room for terrorism and extremism.

The civil and military leadership are on the same page in the fight against terrorism. Pakistan has made significant sacrifices in battling terrorism. The terrorists have no religion as they are killers of humanity. We will leave no stone unturned to eliminate terrorism from the country, he added. Democracy is to serve people. Democracy is the second name of transparency and accountability. Our government has adopted a zero tolerance against corruption and our work and initiatives are ample proof of our government’s transparency.

The Chief Minister said the Punjab government is the most transparent government of Pakistan and the international institutions have accepted it as well. We never tolerated any kind of favoritism, red-tapism and corruption. The PML-N government has made transparency its chief characteristic. Our priorities are clear and in the right direction. I am the servant of people of this province and to serve them is my mission.

The Chief Minister said that more funds have been allocated for the progress and development of South Punjab divisions in proportion to the population. Provision of 100 billion interest-free loans program for small agriculturists is also for the progress, development and strengthening of rural areas and their economy. In Lahore, the work on Punjab Safe City Project is going on fast and besides this the Safe City Project will also be introduced in other 6 big cities of the province. The enrollment of students in government schools has increased to 90 per cent. Within 8 years, 2 lac 20 thousand teachers have been appointed on merit basis.

The Chief Minister said that unfortunately there had been political appointments in the past but the incumbent government has totally banned political appointments. In the present year, 80 thousand more teachers will be appointed on merit basis in which 50 per cent will be female teachers. Child labour has been eliminated from brick kilns and 83 thousand children have been released from child labour and enrolled in schools. The Punjab government is also providing monthly stipends, uniforms, shoes and books to these children whereas the parents are also given one time stipend.

The Chief Minister said that in South Punjab divisions, from Rs 200 stipend has been increased to Rs 1000 for the students from 6^th to 10^th class and from this program 4 lac 80 thousand students are getting benefit and Rs 6 billion are being spent on this. Daanish schools have been established in South Punjab and other backward regions.

The Chief Minister said that Pakistan came into existence after making many sacrifices under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the constitution of Pakistan gives equal rights to all citizens irrespective of their color or race. Pakistan was achieved so that citizens living in Pakistan might have equal opportunities.

The Chief Minister said that unfortunately in the 1980s, Pakistan was made a front line state in the so called war due to which terrorism and extremism took birth in the country but now the civil and military leadership is fighting with strength and vigor against the terrorists and other non-state actors. In order to bring back the real recognition of Pakistan, we have to spread religious tolerance, brotherhood and unity.

The Chief Minister said that government is leaving no stone unturned to eliminate poverty and unemployment in the country.

The Chief Minister said that half of Pakistan’s population comprises of women and women have to prove their capabilities in practical fields because without women participating in the practical field Pakistan cannot progress and develop and for this the Punjab government has started an interest free loans program for women.

The Chief Minister said that from this program up till now 15 lac women have been given interest free loans and in the upcoming budget more funds will be given to interest free loan programs.

The Chief Minister said that women from rural areas of Pakistan are very hard working as they work side by side with men in farms and fields.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab government has taken revolutionary steps for the promotion of education and because of these initiatives enrollment of students in schools have increased to 90 per cent.

The Chief Minister said that 25 lac students got admission in schools due to Voucher Scheme of Punjab Education Foundation. Daanish schools have been established in South Punjab and other backward divisions. In Daanish schools, quality education is given to students from underprivileged families.

The Chief Minister said that additional classrooms are being constructed in schools at the cost of billions of rupees. Twenty thousand schools have been shifted on solar system and this program is being started from South Punjab. Likewise, Information Technology labs have been set up in 5 thousand high schools of Punjab and laptops have been distributed among the students on merit basis at the cost of billion of rupees.

The Chief Minister said that resources are being provided in order to empower youth. The Punjab government is following equal development policy for rural and urban areas of the province. The Punjab government has provided billions of rupees funds for the progress and development of South Punjab divisions and other far flung areas. The Metro Bus Service has been started in Multan.

The Chief Minister said that the vision and policies of government are for the benefit of people and our every step is for the welfare and prosperity of masses. Pakistan is a beautiful country and in order to recognize Pakistan at the global level, Pakistan has to be economically independent. Pakistan is moving in the right direction and INSHAALLAH Pakistan will soon become a great country. We will return Pakistan its lost status.

The Chief Minister asked the students from Harvard University to visit Pakistan every year.

The delegation was led by MD PACRA Qazi Adnan Afaq. Provincial higher education minister Syed Ali Raza Gillani, Members Assembly Makhdoom Hashim, Bushra Butt, MD Punjab Mass Transit Authority, Additional Chief Secretary Interior, Chairman Planning & Development, secretaries from concerning departments and other high authorities were also present on the occasion