Way forward: Infrastructure development key to progress, says CM

Shahbaz says the authority will ensure timely execution of projects

LAHORE: “The establishment of Infrastructure Development Authority (IDA) is of paramount importance with regard to progress in education, health and other social sectors,” Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Thursday.

Sharif was chairing a meeting to review organisational structure and initiatives of the Authority.

“The institution will play a key role in transparent and speedy execution of infrastructure projects,” the chief minister said. He said the institution would make sure that resources were effectively utilised.

He praised IDA Chief Executive Officer Mujahid Sher Dil for appointing professionals in the Authority.

He said he hoped that the Authority would make great progress and benefit from these experts. “The people in the province will benefit from the timely completion of infrastructure schemes in social sector.”

Sharif said the Authority would make sure that best possible results were achieved timely.

He ordered steps for introducing similar models in other departments.

He said introduction of Infrastructure Development Bond should also be considered.

He asked the IDA staff to work with dedication so that desired goals could be achieved. “All-out cooperation will be extended to the institution,” he said.

“Pakistan belongs to all of us. We have to work together for its development,” the chief minister said.

Earlier, the chief executive officer briefed the chief minister about organisational structure and plans of the Authority.

Provincial Ministers Tanvir Aslam Malik and Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chief Minister’s Advisor on Health Khwaja Salman Rafique, the chief secretary, the additional chief secretary and the Planning and Development Board chairman attended the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 19^th, 2016.