Justice: ‘Accountability essential for uplift’

Shahbaz says Pakistan is passing through a critical phase

LAHORE: Accountability of corrupt elements and those who got their loans written off is essential for the country’s progress, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday.

He was talking to Adviser to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Jam Mashooq Ali, who called on him.

“Pakistan is passing through a critical phase in its history. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government has always promoted politics based on ethical values and given precedence to national interest. Those who looted national resources and got their loans written off by using political influence will have to be brought to justice,” the CM said.

Shahbaz Sharif said that the government had saved Rs215 billion in the execution of development projects. “Those who have been raising hue and cry over offshore companies have themselves been involved in corruption. In recent by-elections, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have rejected their promise of a Naya Pakistan,” he said.

Chinese consul general meets CM: Chinese Consul General Yu Boren called on the chief minister on Saturday. Pak-China relations, promotion of cooperation in various sectors and progress of projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were discussed.

“The Pakistan-China friendship has assumed a new dimension. The CPEC is a great gift from China to Pakistan. Work is in progress throughout the province on CPEC projects,” the CM said. The CM said that the CPEC would guarantee the country’s development and prosperity. “A new era of progress will begin in the region with the completion of CPEC projects,” he said. Yu Boren said that development projects were being completed speedily under the CM’s leadership.

US consul general meets CM: American Consul General Zachary Harkenrider met the chief minister on Saturday. The chief minister said that the government was making efforts to make Pakistan a peaceful, secure, developed and prosperous country. “The government is trying to set up a society based on tolerance. Pakistan is more economically stable today than it was in the past,” he said.

The chief minister said that there were multidimensional relations between Pakistan and America. “Consistent efforts are needed to promote ties between the two countries,” he said. Harkenrider said that the US attached great importance to its relations with Pakistan. “Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s vision of public service is laudable,” he said.

ICC president meets Shahbaz Sharif: International Cricket Council (ICC) President Zaheer Abbas called on Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday.

The chief minister said that cricket was the most popular sport in Pakistan. “There is a lot of talent in Pakistan. Coordinated steps are needed to utilise this talent so that Pakistan can again achieve a prominent place in the cricket world. The Punjab government has started a programme to establish more cricket grounds,” he said.

He said that initially work had been started on eight cricket grounds. “Cricket grounds will later be established in every district. This will promote cricket and help identify new talent,” he said.

The chief minister said that Pakistani cricketers had won laurels for the country in the past. He said that steps should be taken for the revival of international cricket in Pakistan. “The Punjab government is ready to extend its cooperation in this regard,” he said. Abbas said that steps taken by Shahbaz Sharif for the establishment of cricket grounds were commendable.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2016.