Govt revolutionising public transport: Punjab CM

Shahbaz says China has fulfilled its commitment by providing Rs33 billion for project

LAHORE: Provision of Rs33 billion by China is an important milestone for the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train project, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Monday.

He was talking to several provincial assembly members who called on him.

“Despite the speculations and the propaganda, China has proved its friendship with Pakistan and made history by providing the funds. The Lahore Orange Line Metro Train is a revolutionary project for providing modern transport facilities of international standard to the citizens. Only a handful of people are opposing this project. They travel by planes and in luxurious cars and are unaware of the transport problems facing the common man,” he said.

The chief minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the government had introduced a culture of transparency in the country.

The federal and Punjab governments have set a splendid example by saving Rs215 billion. This is unprecedented in history. China is a very sincere and reliable friend of Pakistan and has always supported it,” he said.

He said that Chinese cooperation in development projects was commendable and Chinese assistance would enable Pakistan to join the ranks of developed countries. “Those criticising the metro train project are [practically] opposing welfare of the people. The government will complete such public welfare projects without paying any attention to what they are saying,” he said.

The CM said that those criticising welfare projects were not sincere to the masses. “Those involved in protests for political ends are bent upon wasting the precious time of the nation. The Orange Line Metro Train project is aimed at resolving transport problems of the common man as the masses have a right over modern, speedy, comfortable and economical facilities,” he said.

“The Orange Line Metro Train project is an excellent example of utilisation of public money for the welfare of the masses. Work is continuing round the clock on metro train project. Its completion will bring an improvement in living standards of the common man. The train will bring a revolution in the transport sector. The project will prove a masterpiece of architecture. The people will travel on these trains with dignity,” he said.

The delegation included MPAs Manan Khan, Shahwaiz Khan, Lal Hussain, Zeshan Gurmani and Alamdar Abbas Qureshi.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 24^th, 2016.