Transparency is the hallmark of Punjab government: Shahbaz

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that transparency is the hallmark of Punjab government and timely completion of all the development projects is being ensured. He said that besides improving the infrastructure, an effective strategy is being implemented for providing best transport facilities to the masses. He said that a bus service has been launched in Lahore for providing comfortable and affordable transport facilities to the people.
He said this during a meeting with Quarter Master General, Lieutenant General Sajjad Ghani, here on Saturday in which implementation of development schemes in the province and the project of refurbishing old buses with the co-operation of National Logistic Cell (NLC) were discussed. Member Provincial Assembly Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmad, Director General National Logistic Cell, Secretary Communication & Works and Director General LDA were also present in the meeting.
Talking on this occasion, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that all resources are being utilised for the provision of best transport facilities to the people. He said that the performance of NLC for completion of development projects is commendable and Kalma Flyover and other projects infrastructure are a candid proof of it. He said that the projects of Muslim Town Flyover and widening of Lahore Canal Road are being executed speedily. He said that urban transport project has been launched in the provincial metropolis and modern CNG buses have been imported from a leading Chinese company, Foton whereas in the second phase an agreement of 575 buses has also been made with Ankai Company and besides Lahore these buses would also be plied in other big cities of the province. He said that in addition to new buses, a project of refurbishment of old buses is also being implemented and under this programme 300 buses are being refurbished, out of which, 75 buses would start plying on various routes this month. He said that NLC is also extending co-operation for refurbishment of old buses. He also inspected a bus refurbished with the co-operation of NLC on this occasion. Quarter Master General Lieutenant General Sajjad Ghani also presented a key of this bus to the Chief Minister on this occasion.
Earlier, a team of Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) called on the Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and presented a study report conducted with regard to Lahore Urban Transport Plan 2020-2030 to him which included steps like Rapid Mass Transit System (RMPS), Bus Rapid Service (BRS) and traffic management keeping in view the future requirements. The Chief Minister terming the study report a comprehensive one said that Lahore city is spreading fast and Lahore Urban Master Plan for traffic management and transport facilities to the masses in future is of great importance.
He also directed to constitute a committee for reviewing this study report and submitting its recommendations in this regard. Team leader of JICA Shoyama Takashi, Provincial Transport Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Member Provincial Assembly Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmad, Khurram Gulfam, Secretaries of Transport, Communication & Works, Finance, Director General LDA and officers concerned attended the meeting.