Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that all resources have been applied for the uplift and welfare of the people and government has promoted a culture of transparency in the province while the graveyards of corruption of the past have been turned into monuments of progress and development.
He said that the development projects executed in the tenure of the present government are unique with regard to their high standard and transparency. He said that Ghazi Road Interchange Lahore Ring Road Package 11 is another glorious project which will result in modern facilities to those travelling towards Defence, Cantt and the adjoining areas as well as GT Road, Faisalabad, Sheikhupura Road and Motorway.
He was speaking at the inauguration of Ghazi Interchange Ring Road, here on Sunday. Members National Assembly Khawaja Saad Rafique, Mian Marghoob Ahmad, Members Provincial Assembly Mian Naseer Ahmad, Ajasam Sharif, Ramzan Saddique Bhatti, Dr Asad Ashraf, Dr Saeed Elahi, Haji Allah Rakha, Ejaz Ahmed Khan, Secretary Communication and Works, Commissioner Lahore, Sector Incharge National Logistics Cell and officers concerned were also present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister said Ghazi Interchange is an excellent project, which will greatly help in streamlining the flow of traffic. He said that transparency is the hallmark of Punjab government and timely and quality completion of development projects is being ensured throughout the province while every penny of public money is being utilised in a transparent manner.
He said that corruption and misappropriation of funds in the name of development schemes has become a thing of the past and all uplift projects completed in the tenure of present government are a masterpiece of architecture and comparable with the developed countries. He said that special attention is also being paid to the uplift of backward and remote areas and development projects in these regions are being completed on priority basis. He said that a flyover costing Rs 670 million has recently been inaugurated in Bahawalpur. He said that third-party audit system is being strictly implemented for ensuring a high standard of development work and transparent utilisation of funds. He appreciated the performance of Sector Incharge NLC Brig Shahid Majeed and Director General PHA Abdul Jabbar Shaheen regarding the high standard of construction work and horticulture of the project.
Later, talking to media, the Chief Minister said that all out resources are being utilised for the maintenance of law and order in the province, however, there is always room for improvement and sincere efforts are being made for this purpose. He said that Pakistan is passing through the most crucial phase of its history and internal and external enemies are bent upon damaging the country. Therefore, he said, there is a need to foil their nefarious design through the force of unity. He said that it is his earnest prayers in the holy month of Ramazan that may Allah Almighty make Pakistan a haven of peace, progress and prosperity. In reply to a question, the Chief Minster said that matters are in doldrums with regard to the devolution of departments to the provinces in the wake of 18th amendment. He said that despite setting up of a special committee under the chairmanship of Federal Petroleum Minister no progress has been made in this direction. He said that he had also talked to the Prime Minister on this issue in the meeting of the Council of Common Interests. He said that failure to devolve the provinces in the light of constitutional amendment is unconstitutional and efforts are been made to find a solution to this issue through negotiations. He said that if the issue was not resolved, the party would take further decision. Earlier, the Chief Minister unveiled the plaque to inaugurate Ghazi Road Interchange. Commissioner Lahore, Jawad Rafique gave a briefing regarding the project.