Punjab government to build 2,000 houses in North Waziristan: Shahbaz

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has announced construction of 2,000 houses, a modern hospital, a modern university and Daanish school in North Waziristan on behalf of the government and people of Punjab. Besides supplying fodder for the livestock of displaced persons, he said, a mobile hospital is also being sent by Punjab government.
He said that a sum of Rs 280 million has so far been distributed among 40,000 displaced families at the rate of Rs 7,000 per family on behalf of Punjab government and the process of distribution of financial assistance at this rate among 54,000 displaced families will be completed within next few days. A financial assistance will again be provided to these 54,000 families again in August next at this rate, he added.
The Chief Minister further said that tribal people have played a historic role not only for the creation of Pakistan but also for its stability and the founder of Pakistan had also paid tributes to their services in this regard. He said that it is lamentable that Pakistan today is not what was envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
He said that there is a need to promote brotherhood, amity and justice for transforming Pakistan in accordance with the vision of the Quaid. He said that Independence Day is near and every member of the society including politicians, generals, judges, government officers and officials should put this question to themselves why the dream of the Quaid has not been realised during the last 67 years.
He said the goal of prosperity cannot be achieved without peace as terrorism and journey to progress and development cannot continue simultaneously. He said energy crisis is spread over many decades and peace and tranquillity is essential for strengthening of the country, stabilising economy and overcoming load-shedding. He said the nation should fully avail the existing opportunity and root out terrorism as Pakistan has reached the point of now or never. He said it is time to carry out accountability of such elements who want to impose their agenda on the nation at gunpoint.
He said terrorists who were killing innocent Pakistanis for their selfish ends are now being targeted by Pak Army. Shahbaz while referring to the efforts of Punjab government and people of the province for the relief and assistance of displaced persons of North Waziristan said that it was a national and religious obligation which they have tried to discharge efficiently. He also distributed Eid gifts among IDPs. Later, he had food with the displaced persons and gave Eidi to their children. He said he wanted to celebrate Eid with them but could not come due to bad weather.