LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that the incompetence of the federal government has shaken foundations of the country. The policies of the federal government have pushed the country into the quagmire of problems, he added.
Talking to a foreign journal, the chief minister said his party was fully prepared for the upcoming general elections and it would achieve a thumping victory in the elections.
“The federal government has introduced only loadshedding, damaging national economy. No projects have been introduced to produce power,” the chief minister held. He said corruption was committed in the name of rental power plants.
Shahbaz said eradication of corruption and holding of general elections was need of the hour to combat the problems. He said people were sick of the corrupt government, and want to get rid of it at the earliest.
Talking about Pak-India relations, the chief minister said both the countries would have to sit together to solve their problems in a peaceful manner.
Meanwhile, the affectees of Metro Bus Service called on the chief minister at Model Town, and apprised him of difficulties and problems being faced by them regarding their business and payments.
Talking to the affectees, Shahbaz said he realised the difficulties being faced by them and assured them the payments of their properties would be made in accordance with their market value. He said an 8-km-long flyover was being constructed at the Metro Bus route, so that the business activities of citizens did not get negatively impacted. The chief minister directed that all claims of MBS affectees should be dealt within one week, and the report be submitted to him in this regard.
He said that, while making payments to the affectees, it should also be kept in view that right of no one was infringed. He also directed the excise secretary to extend tax rebate to the traders, for the period their business activities got negatively impacted due to the MBS. He said all affectees should be given their due right, in accordance with the demands of justice.
Also, the chief minister ordered a forceful campaign against wall chalking in the province. He also directed all Commissioners and the DCOs to launch indiscriminate action against wall chalking and take immediate notice of the advertisements which mar beauty of the cities.
Shahbaz also sought a detailed report regarding the steps taken against wall chalking in all the districts.
The chief minister also congratulated Pakistan Blind Cricket Team player Muhammad Akram on scoring a double century against West Indies in T-20 world cup and setting a world record.
In a felicitation message, the chief minister said Muhammad Akram won laurels for the country by setting a world record and will be given a special award by the Punjab government on his return.
Ameer Bhutto, son of a prominent political leader of Sindh Mumtaz Bhutto, called on Shahbaz Sharif at Model Town. Matters of mutual interest and overall political situation of the country was discussed during the meeting.