Execution of public welfare projects: chief minister Punjab says red-tapism will not be allowed

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif directed that red-tapism should not be allowed to become a hurdle in the execution of public welfare projects as officers showing negligence in the completion of uplift projects will be held accountable.
He said that public welfare and provision of basic amenities to the masses is the foremost responsibility of the government and in view of this fact there is a need to bring a positive change in the thinking. He directed that pace of implementation of development project be further accelerated and completion of uplift schemes in a transparent manner should be ensured so that people could benefit from them as early as possible.
He was addressing a meeting held to review the pace of ongoing development projects under Special Packages for big cities and districts, Southern Development Programme and Annual Development Programme, here today. Senior Advisor Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Provincial Minister Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor, Advisor Zakiya Shahnawaz, Members National Assembly Tehmina Daultana, Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, Khuram Dastagir Khan, Chairman Planning and Development and Secretaries of various departments attended the meeting. Chairman Planning and Development and Secretary Health gave detailed briefings regarding pace of progress of the development projects.
The Chief Minister said that all out resources are being utilised for the speedy development of the province and provision of basic amenities to the masses while transparent and expeditious implementation of development projects is being ensured.
He said that such projects are being given precedence under Southern Development Programme, Annual Develop-ment Programme and Special Packages as could benefit maximum people. He said that development of backward areas to bring them at par with the developed ones is the priority of the government and uplift projects are being executed expeditiously in such areas. He said that special attention is being paid to the development of rural areas during the current fiscal year and record funds are being utilised for this purpose. He said that an effective programme is being implemented for the provision of better education and health facilities to the masses. He said that educational institutions, modern hospitals and new medical colleges are being set up in the province. He said that classes have already been started in the medical colleges of Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, Gujranwala and Sialkot while construction work of the buildings of these colleges has been initiated.