Terming the 'Naya Pakistan Manzalain Aasan Program' as a flagship initiative of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Thursday said that Rs 15 billion are being spent on the first phase of this program for repair and construction of 1236-KM long rural roads and this phase will be completed by the end of this year.

"The IInd phase of the programme would start from January 2020 under which carpeting of all rural roads will be made in phases; this program would continue for five years and two phases will be completed annually," the CM said, in a statement, here today.

Usman Buzdar maintained that construction of rural roads will facilitate the people along with promotion of trade and economic activities. Similarly, the rural population will have better access to various institutions like health centres, schools and colleges, etc. The PTI government believes in composite development and completion of this program will also help in facilitating the farmers to carry their produce to agri markets, he said.

Moreover, the CM said that extremist behavior of fanatics is a threat to peaceful societies and the incident of desecration of the Holy Quran in Norway is a highly condemnable act. "Such abhorrent acts only encourage hatred and extremism," he said, adding: "The international community should give attention to Islam phobia as it has given rise to extremism and hatred."

The CM Usman Buzdar has taken notice of death of a 12-year-old boy of Ferozewala due to dog-bite and sought a report from Commissioner Lahore within 48 hours. He also directed to take action against those who showed negligence in this regard.

The chief minister also expressed displeasure over failure in timely vaccination of the victim in Shahdara and Mayo hospitals and added that unavailability of anti-rabies vaccine, despite clear-cut instructions, is a proof of recklessness of the concerned officials. He directed to ensure availability of anti-rabies vaccine in health institutions along with direction to launch campaign for saving citizens from stray dogs.