Instability hurts progress: CM Punjab

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the pursuit of development and prosperity is affected by political instability.

"Unfortunately the governments are not allowed to function properly," she said while speaking to participants of the 26th National Security Workshop of the National Defence University "We are all Pakistanis irrespective of our political affiliations," she said.

She said the overall situation in Punjab was better than other provinces.

She said appointments on jobs had been made on merit. Every sector had been in a state of decline due to lack of accountability, she added.

"We want to curb smog as soon as possible," she said and added that Positive effects of government's measures are coming to light.

The chief minister said Inflation was low and foreign exchange reserves were increasing, while the stock market had broken all records and IT exports were increasing.

"With increasing exports, dependence on foreign aid decreases. We will be able to live our lives with pride and dignity," she said.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said bringing inflation down from 38 per cent to 7% was a major achievement.

She said people from all over Pakistan came to Punjab for a better future, employment and treatment. Mismanagement of resources after 77 years is regrettable. Infrastructure is very important for development.

"Threats of terrorism prevail, maintaining law and order is our foremost priority," she said.

The CM said Rs45 billion had been saved in a road rehabilitation programme through e-tendering and transparency, while Rs800 billion had been saved by not purchasing wheat. The Punjab government will not provide support price but farmers will be given subsidies on agricultural inputs and equipment through Kisan cards.

"Capacity building has not been done as a nation. We need to find a solution to the extremism problem. There is a special focus on the protection of minorities. Regardless of religion and sect, protection of every individual is our responsibility," she said.

"We apprehend thieves and robbers, but they escape from the courts. No matter how much we spend on health and agriculture, it seems less. Punjab is the only province which gives a surplus budget," she added.

The chief minister said no patient would be denied admission to the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital worth Rs16 billion. A special ward will be built for incurable cancer patients. Pakistan's first Artificial Intelligence University will be built in the Nawaz Sharif IT City.

She added, "Punjab is the first province to implement the Sikh Marriage Act. I feel pleased to see girls traveling on e-bikes comfortably. Corruption is my red line."