General elections and Rawalpindi

The provincial government has completed development projects worth billions which have benefitted the residents.

The general elections are around the corner. Although an actual date for the elections has not been announced by the government, every politician is trying to complete development projects in his/her constituency.

As a resident of the federal capital, when I look towards neighbouring Rawalpindi, I see elected officials in every constituency focusing on development projects.

The urban parts of the city seem to have emerged as a major hub of the PML-N, which is probably because the Punjab government has executed a number of important development projects there since coming to power.

Sometimes, being a resident of Islamabad, I cannot help but feel jealous of the amount of work done by the Punjab government in the neighbouring city and can only hope that the federal government kick-starts the dream of the residents of Islamabad for a quality transport system.

You may disagree with the Punjab government’s policies, but at the end of the day, development work is important and should be appreciated. The way development projects have been initiated across Punjab and particularly in Rawalpindi, merits appreciation.

The provincial government has completed several development projects worth billions of rupees, which have benefitted the residents of the city, including the laptop scheme, various road projects, new hospitals, Danish schools, sasta tandoors etc.

The Sixth Road Flyover is another example of a development project carried out by the Punjab government. Completed in 2012, the Rs1.017 billion bridge, along with the Rs1.3 billion Chandni Chowk Flyover and the Rs 1 billion  Pirwadhai Flyover will improve traffic flow in Rawalpindi.

Similarly, the Rs2.8 billion Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology and the Urology and Kidney Transplant Centre were also completed. All are major projects, which were inaugurated by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, showing the value his party places on Rawalpindi’s seven National Assembly and 14 Punjab Assembly seats.

The one thing that is disappointing is that the Punjab government has not launched any mega project in Murree, despite the Sharif brothers’ proclaimed love for the cool summer days of the Murree hills. However, it is clear that voters have been watching what has been delivered.

Despite huge problems like electricity and gas shortages, developments projects definitely matter, which is why people keep voting, and why democracy is so beautiful.

Read more by Obaid here.