Shahbaz promises Orange Line-like projects across country

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday said the successful test run of first metro train in Lahore was a milestone, adding that the credit for introducing modern service went to the ruling party.

Expressing his views during a meeting with elected representatives, he said the government was giving the right of modern world class transport to the common man.

The chief minister said the delaying tactics of Mr Niazi delayed the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) project for 22 months. He added that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh were great hardships due to the dilapidated conditions of transport system, but Mr Zardari Sahib and Mr Niazi were simply unable to start beneficial projects there.

“If Allah Almighty accorded us the chance then such projects will be launched all over the country,” he said.

The chief minister said U-turn Khan had put the development journey of the country at risk, as the sit-in group hatched a conspiracy by ignoring the interests of 220 million Pakistanis.

The elected representatives congratulated him for the successful test run of metro train and said the measures taken by Punjab government for the welfare of public were unprecedented.

Separately, Shahbaz directed the officials to ensure provision of essential food items to the people and stabilising the prices in the market.

Issuing directions to provincial cabinet committee for price control, he said it was a responsibility of relevant departments as well as the administration to ensure ample availability of food items in market.

On the other hand, Shahbaz paid rich tributes to the bravery and courage of Col Sohail Abid who was martyred during an operation against terrorists by the security forces in the Kuli Almas area of Balochistan.

He said Col Sohail had sacrificed his life for a peaceful future of the nation. “The purpose for which Col Sohail Abid has rendered his life is the mission of the whole nation and brave sons like him are our national heroes,” he added.