Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has said that a massive programme of police reforms was being given a practical shape to eradicate crime and provide a sense of security to the citizens.
While addressing Pakistan Muslim League workers' convention in Sheikhupura on Wednesday, the CM said that under that programme, shift system was being introduced in all police stations while posting of SHOs would be made purely on merit. He said that SHOs who failed to perform their responsibilities satisfactorily would not be considered for that post again. He said that an amount of Rs three billion had so far been spent on development projects in Sheikhupura.
Provincial Minister for Communication & Works Chaudhry Zaheer-ud-din, PML leader Senator Naeem Hussain Chattha, Members National Assembly Brigadier Zulfiqar Ahmed Dhilon (Retd), Muhammad Saeed Virk, Khurram Manj, District Nazim Sheikhupura, Mian Jalil Ahmed Sharqpuri and PML Sheikhupura President Dr Saleem Chaudhry were also present on this occasion.
According to a handout, the CM said that the project of police patrolling posts was being implemented speedily in the province and 250 patrolling posts had so far been made operational due to which crime rate had reduced by 40 per cent. He said those patrolling posts were serving as help line for providing emergency relief to the citizens.
He said that a prosecution service had also been set up in the province to pursue cases in courts effectively for ensuring due punishment to the criminals.
He further said that President Pervez Musharraf had taken solid measures for addressing real issues facing the country and he had inaugurated Diamir Bhasha Dam while Kalabagh Dam would also be constructed as building of big water reservoirs was the dire need of the country.
He said the Peoples Party had been opposing Kalabagh Dam; however, construction of that dam was of paramount importance for generation of cheap electricity and strengthening of agriculture sector.
He said that union councils displaying outstanding performance in the PML enrolment campaign would be provided an additional grant of Rs five million. He said that government was furthering a revolutionary agenda of public service and a number of mega projects for the uplift of the masses are being executed.
He announced the construction of tehsil hospitals in Sharqpur and Ferozwala besides laying Astroturf in Hockey Stadium. He further said that Lahore-Sheikhupura road would be repaired and reconstructed and an underpass would be constructed at railway crossing on Gujranwala Road. He said that Lahore to Mangatwala road was being made a dual carriageway while Shadarah, Kala Khatai Narang Road would also be constructed. He announced a sum of Rs one million for Sheikhupura Press Club.
Moreover, the Chief Minister unveiled the plaque of foundation stone of Trauma Centre at District Headquarters Hospital Sheikhupura. On this occasion, Punjab Health Secretary Muhammad Javed Malik informed that that project would be completed in two years and would cost Rs 41 million.