Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Shariff has said that poverty persisted despite huge foreign assistance worth billions of dollars, as the nation failed to exploit its true potential and remained under-developed. Addressing the Independence Day function organise by Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) here on Friday.
The Chief Minister said that after 62 years of independence it is time to assess as to how much we have fulfilled the aims and objectives of creation of Pakistan. He said that no doubt the country has been looted mercilessly in the past. Yet some sincere and dedicated efforts by the businessmen and traders played a vital role in strengthening its economy.
He said the country could not progress without justice, fair practices and adherence to merit. He said the first hurdle in this regard has been overcome due to the splendid efforts of the lawyers and journalists who were instrumental in assuring the independence of judiciary. He said the remaining hurdles would be removed if we as a nation pledge to work with dedication and commitment in the best interest of our motherland.
Earlier President LCCI Mian Muzaffar Ali assured the CM Punjab of the all out support of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry to achieve the social development targets of the Punjab government. He appealed to the Chief Minister to give importance to the poor masses, who have been deprived of the fruits of freedom. He urged his fellow businessmen to work honestly and donate generously to the cause of nation building.
"We cannot start dreaming about an industrialised and a developed Pakistan, without making sure that we have a secure, healthy, educated and a well trained work force. These are the pre-requisites that when not fulfilled has kept and will keep Pakistan from entering the league of prosperous nations. We need to provide all Pakistanis with security, affordable and quality health services and affordable and quality education," he added.
LCCI Senior Vice President Tahir Javaid Malik and Vice President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh also spoke on the occasion while Senior Political Assistant to the Chief Minister Pervaiz Malik, foreign diplomats and business elite including industrialists and traders of the city were also present on the occasion.