Preservation efforts: ‘No heritage site will be affected by metro train’

Shahbaz says govt committed to selfless service to people

LAHORE:

“No heritage site will be damaged during the construction of Orange Line Metro train track,” said Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday.

He was talking to a UNESCO delegation. Matters regarding measures to be taken for conservation of historical sites on the route of Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project were discussed in the meeting. The chief minister said the metro train was a revolutionary project for provision of modern public transport to citizens.

“We have taken the necessary steps to preserve historic sites,” he said. He said the Orange Line Metro Train project was an addition to the public transport system, which the government wanted to improve through sustained investment and collaboration with international partners. He said the project would allow students, teachers, workers and people of other walks of life the facility of cheap travel within the city. He said thousands of people were expected to travel by the metro train daily.

“This project is vital for improving living standards of the common man,” he said.  UNESCO Programme Specialist Jhuny Han told the chief minister that meetings with officials of the Punjab government had been positive. She said the UNESCO and the Punjab government were on the same page regarding development in the province. The Lahore Development Authority director general was also present.

National Assembly speaker calls on the CM

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met the chief minister on Sunday.

The chief minister said selfless service to the people was goal of the government.

He said the government had launched a number of public welfare projects.

“We have ensured transparency in implementation of these projects,” he said.

“The poor and the underdeveloped areas have greater access to public funds now,” he said. The chief minister said those criticising public welfare projects unnecessarily apparently did not want progress.

“Those who neglected the masses during their tenure are perturbed over the projects aimed at people’s welfare,” he said.

He said his government would continue to work for public welfare.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 22^nd,  2016.