Compared to the other three provinces, Shehbaz Sharif stands out for his responsiveness and ability to set the parameters of governance right;
Heritage Parks, Biodiversity Parks, Implementation of NAP, Construction of Public Buildings, Punjab Saaf Pani (Clean Water) Company affirm as to why Shehbaz Sharif often sings revolutionary chants at public meetings.
ISLAMABAD Aug. 29 (TNS): The Chief Minister of Punjab Shehbaz Sharif’s dedication and long working hours are legendary and he is often seen walking in knee-deep water, after a monsoon rain, to get to areas inundated by the water and oversee relief work. Those who have a chance to work with him and cannot help marvel at his quest to improve the system.
There have been ambitious subsidy schemes such as cheap wheat flour, tandoors and so on which were captured by local elites and political groups.
Most importantly, the spread of extremism and power of militant groups have been curbed with strong law enforcement.
Service delivery indicators in Punjab, have been encouraging. More importantly, there seems to be an effort to innovate and encourage citizens to have a voice and give feedback. Shehbaz Sharif knows that good governance intersects with smart politics.
The urban youth have also factored into provincial governance and we have witnessed several programs to engage and mobilize this particular segment of Punjab’s population.
Shehbaz Sharif, true to his reputation, has undertaken major development works across the big cities of Punjab and this contributed to a significant expansion in the province’s infrastructure, all of which seems to be a response to the needs of an articulate urban population that votes for his party.
Paying tributes to the founder of Pakistan Allama Muhammad Iqbal and to preserve the tradition and heritage, Greater Park was built in Lahore by the Parks and Horticulture Authority Punjab. The project was completed at the cost of Rs1186.749 million. The design of the park depicts the Mughal essence.
The park was inaugurated in Dec 17, 2016 by the former Prime Minister. The 125-acre green oasis is surrounded almost entirely by the old city of Lahore. Visitors can lounge on rolling lawns and take in the panoramic view of the symbolic Minar-e-Pakistan, the majestic Lahore Fort, the iconic Azadi Interchange and the historic Badshahi Mosque that also shelters the tomb of Allama Iqbal.
In addition, visitors can take a stroll through the cascade surrounded by four memorial monuments, representative of each of Pakistan’s four provinces. Patrons can also ride in the soft rail that runs along the two-kilometre-long ‘Buggy Track’.
Jails were built in Rajanpur, Narowal, Hafizabad, Khanewal and Lodhran by the Punjab Development Department. Forensic labs were established in Lahore at the cost of Rs2566.408 million. Judicial complex in Lahore and Multan, high security jail in Sahiwal and Mianwali, Police training school in Rawat, 16 police stations and the extension of the Assembly building were constructed by the department.
Police lines were established in Mandi Bahauddin, and construction of 21 highway patrol posts. In Vehari water filtration plant was installed and 12 civil courts were also constructed.
In Sialkot, bar rooms were constructed in the judicial complex. In Narowal housing scheme has been launched for the judicial employees and security wall was constructed around the district jail in Multan. New session house in Faisalabad, Jail in district Bhakar, 29 police stations, forensic labs in 9 divisions, 88 watch towers, 15 housing schemes for judicial officers, Library in Okara, Public Security building in Gujranwala were constructed by the Planning and Development Department Punjab Government.
The Punjab Saaf Pani (Clean Water) Company was established in March 2014 at the cost of Rs126 billion. It aimed to provide the clean and safe water. The whole project is divided in 8 packages which distributes safe drinking water all across Punjab.
In first phase of the project district of Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal, Qasoor, Toba Teksingh and Ninkana Sahab, where almost 13 million people were facilitated.
In second phase 9.5 million were facilitated with safe drinking water in the districts including Bahawulpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Lodhran and Bahawulnagar.
In third phase 8 million people were facilitated in the districts of Muzafargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Layah.
A total of 6.5 million People in the district of Rawalpindi, Jehlum, Attock, Chakwal and Mandi Bahauddin were facilitated with safe and clean drinking water.
Fifth phase included the districts of Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakar, Khoshab and Chiniot, where 5.3 million were facilitated.
Sixth phase include the districts of Multan, Vihari, Jhang, Pakpatan, and Khanewal, where 10 million were facilitated.
Seventh phase included Sialkot, Narowal, and Gujrat districts where 6 million were facilitated.
And 8th phase of the project included Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, and Hafizabad districts where millions were facilitated and 80 filtration plants were installed in South Punjab to provide clean and safe drinking water.
The reverse osmosis, ultra filtration plant and traditional filtration plants have been installed for the purpose all across the province. To avoid the hindrance in supplying clean water solar energy and storage systems have been installed. And to look after the filtration plants committees were formed consisting of local people.
The Punjab has wonderfully performed in the implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) to fight against terrorism and extremism.
Under the prohibition of Wall chalking Ordinance 2015, reforms have been introduced to overcome the propagandas by the extremist groups. Wall chalking of the hatred materials by the extremist group is a crime, under which a person can be jailed for 6 years with Rs25, 000 fines.
Under the Weapon Amendment Ordinance, one who disobeys the regulations will be imprisoned for 2-7 years.
The security has been strengthened in all religious/prayers spots, Government and Non-Government offices, Industrial areas, Shopping centers, Marriage halls, Public transport stops, Petrol pumps, hospitals, banks, hostels and all other places. The district administration formed committee at Tehsil level to look after all kinds of security matters.
Sound system regulation has been introduced under which unnecessary use of loud speaker at public places has been banned and the use of load speaker has been made limited at religious places.
Under Nation Action Plan 48618 cases were registered and 53151 accused were arrested for making hatred speeches, wall chalking, holding illegal weapons and for disobeying other relevant regulations. To overcome terrorism the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) enrolled 1180 cops.
Punjab Environmental Protection Department created Environment Protection Agency (EPA) which is responsible for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment; the prevention and control of pollution; and promotion of sustainable development in the province.
In Lahore air monitoring stations have been installed which constantly monitor the air pollution in the city. Eight Environmental Squads have been established to monitor the vehicle emissions in Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan.
For the conservation of local animals and plants, Biodiversity parks have been established in Kasur and Dera Ghazi Khan. More parks are under construction in Cholistan and Murree. Punjab government has identified 2054 vulnerable spots of the growth of Dengue causing mosquitoes and has taken immediate steps to overcome the epidemic.
When compared to the other three provinces, Shehbaz Sharif stands out for his responsiveness and ability to set the parameters of governance right.
