Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the government is paying special attention to the development of infrastructure as it plays a key role in the progress of the country. He said that billions of rupees were being spent on the development projects while a network of roads was also being laid in the province for providing better travelling facilities to the masses.
He said that provision of recreational facilities was of paramount importance in the present age of stress and tension, therefore parks and playgrounds were being developed on priority basis.
He said that recreational facilities of international standard would be made available at Jallo Park whereas attractive picnic spots would also be developed at Lahore Canal.
He was speaking at the inauguration of Maulana Shaukat Ali road and Madr-e-Millat road and a briefing meeting held in connection with the provision of modern recreational facilities at Jallo Park and Ride project, development of picnic spots at Lahore Canal, Central Business District (CBD), tree plantation at Lahore Ganda Singhwala Road and other schemes.
Members National and Provincial Assembly, senior government officers and Director General Frontier Works Organisation were also present of the occasion.
Speaking at the inauguration of Maulana Shaukat Ali road and Madr-e -Millat Road, the Chief Minister said that service of the people and improvement of their living standard was the mission of the government. He said that timely completion of all major development projects was being ensured so that people could benefit from them.
He said that execution of Sagian and Shalimar Interchange projects had not only provided relief to the people, but these projects would also leave a far-reaching impact on the development process of the province.
He said that Lahore Ring Road project was also being implemented expeditiously. Addressing various briefing meetings at Jallo Park, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that a comprehensive strategy had been adopted for the provision of modern recreational facilities to the masses under which Jallo Park would be developed on modern lines. Granting approval to the construction of boundary wall of Jallo Park, the Chief Minister directed that canteens should be set up in the park where Pakistani food and fast food of top quality should be available to the visitors at the reasonable rates.
Similarly, he said, washrooms should also be constructed to facilitate people.
He said that effective security measures should be taken for the protection of people at recreational spots and services of private security agencies should be acquired for Jallo Park and Changa Manga.
He said that Jallo Park could be made the best park of the world and for this purpose incentives should be given to local and foreign companies for the provision of necessary facilities and this process should be completely outsourced.
He said that modern picnic spots should be developed at Lahore Canal and a plan in this regard should be formulated and presented to him within ten days.
He said that maximum trees should be planted at Shalimar Interchange and landscapes should also be developed. He also issued instructions for taking effective measures for the improvement of Shalimar Bagh. Reviewing Park and Ride project at Liberty market, the Chief Minister said that this unique project would facilitate the persons visiting Liberty market for shopping. He said that shuttle service and traffic arrangements should also be completed simultaneously with the completion of this project and the authorities concerned should make every effort in this regard. Secretary Forests, Commissioner Lahore, Director General PHA and architect Ahmad Mukhtar gave a detailed briefing to the Chief Minister regarding the project. Earlier, Chief Minister inspected Shalimar Interchange and appreciated the performance of Frontier Works Organisation regarding construction of the interchange.
Talking to the media Chief Minister said the incident of Gujrat was a result of family feud and instructions had been issued to police for necessary action in this regard. Replying to a question about the statement of Governor Punjab regarding Basant, the Chief Minister said that he had neither responded to the statements of Governor in the past, nor he would do so presently.