Policy matters: ‘Anti-Taliban operation needed to help army’s morale’

The army had to respond after recent terrorist attacks, says minister.


Shamsul Islam February 25, 2014
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan. PHOTO: PPI

FAISALABAD:


Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said on Monday a targeted operation against the Taliban was necessary to maintain the morale of the army.


Talking to the media, he said the government had wanted to resolve the conflict without bloodshed. “The army had to respond after the Taliban brutally killed Frontier Corps officials and carried out a suicide attack against policemen,” he said. Talking about development projects in Faisalabad, he said the provincial government had approved a metro bus service for Faisalabad. “A signal free route will be established from Samundri Road to Motorway (M-3)… only three flyovers will be constructed on the route.”

He said the local administration had conducted a survey for the construction of the metro bus service route keeping in view the requirements, problems and convenience of the stakeholders.

“The project will be a gift to the people of Faisalabad from the chief minister… the Canal Road project is also part of this route,” he added.

The provincial minister said a drinking water project was also being launched near Novelty Bridge. “The project will provide safe water to the entire city by 2017.” He said a project to upgrade Faisalabad’s airport was also being considered on the direction of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. “The citizens will soon hear some good news in this regard,” he said.

Talking about the chief minister’s visit to China, Khan said the Chinese government had expressed its willingness to initiate a 20,000 MW project in Pakistan.

“The project will help reduce the energy shortage… China has also agreed to construct a motorway from Lahore to Karachi,” he said.

“660 megawatt power plants will be set up in several districts of the Punjab including Sahiwal, Jhang, Sheikhupura, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan.”

He said a 6,600 megawatt power station would be set up at Gadani. “The energy crisis will be overcome within the next 28 months,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2014.

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