Kashmir solution a must for peace: CM

LAHORE
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said the Kashmiri people are facing worst atrocities and rendering supreme sacrifices for the achievement of the right of self-determination.
They cannot be denied their basic right with state oppression and cruelty, he added. He said Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolutions was essential for a durable peace in the region and international community should play its due role in this regard.
In a message on Kashmir Solidarity Day, the CM said the PML-N highlighted the Kashmir issue on all forums during its tenures and stressed the need for resolving the issue in accordance with the UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He said Pakistan would continue to raise its voice at all international forums for upholding the due right of Kashmiris and all out political, moral and diplomatic support would be extended. He said Pakistani people strongly reacted to the cruelty and oppression of Indian forces in the Occupied Kashmir and violation of human rights and Pakistani nation was standing with its Kashmiri brethren.
Sweden: An agreement was signed between the Punjab government and Sweden on Wednesday regarding inspection and certification system of vehicles. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was the chief guest at the ceremony held at Model Town.
Secretary Transport and President OPUS Group of Sweden Carl Magnus Greko signed the document. Under the agreement, the Swedish group will set up 39 fitness stations in Punjab for checking commercial vehicles. In the first phase, three fitness stations will be established in Lahore division which will start functioning from June 2015 while in the second phase fitness stations will be set up in other cities of the province. Seven tests of different kinds will be conducted on the vehicles at the fitness stations to be established by the Swedish Group. The Swedish group will also extend cooperation with regard to licensing and training of drivers and a separate driving school of international standard will be established in Punjab.
Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif while speaking on the occasion said it was the first agreement signed in Pakistan under public-private partnership in services sector. He said under the agreement fitness certificates of international standard would be issued to commercial vehicles and no unfit vehicle would be allowed on roads. He said route permits would be issued only to the vehicles which would meet the standard of fitness.
water: Shahbaz Sharif has said Saaf Pani Project is of vital importance as it is directly linked with public health.
The CM was speaking at a meeting on Wednesday held to review the pace of Saaf Pani Project. He said billions of rupees were being spent by the government on the programme of provision of potable water to the common man.
Meanwhile, Shahbaz Sharif has directed the departments concerned to take effective measures for transferring the benefits of record decrease in the prices of petroleum products to the masses and ensuring reduction in transport fares.
The CM directed that banners of the new fares be displayed prominently at bus terminals and other important places. He ordered that a stern action be taken over the violation of the new fare rates of transports and all divisional commissioners and district coordination officers should take effective measures for implementation of the new transport fares. He said overcharging would not be tolerated at any cost and no one would be allowed to exploit the masses.
He was addressing a meeting of provincial price control committee through video link at Civil Secretariat on Wednesday which reviewed the measures adopted for reduction in the prices of essential items and transport fares.
The CM directed the authorities concerned to hold negotiations with the associations concerned for reducing the prices of flour, poultry and ghee as it was responsibility for the institutions concerned to transfer the benefit of decrease in fuel prices to the citizens.