If elected, will turn S Punjab into ‘mini Lahore’: Shehbaz

RAJANPUR: Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) President Shehbaz Sharif promised to turn underdeveloped south Punjab into ‘mini-Lahore’, believed to be the most developed region of Punjab, if elected to power once again.

Addressing a public gathering here on Monday, he asked people to support the PMLN in the upcoming elections on February 8, and pledged that prosperity would be brought to the region if party supremo Nawaz Sharif was elected as the prime minister for the fourth time. He criticised the tenure of the former chief minister Punjab Usman Buzdar, alleging that despite having resources, he failed to adequately serve the area people. He recalled that he always worked tirelessly, and personally oversaw the reconstruction of roads, educational institutions, and hospitals in Rajanpur in the past.

Shehbaz, who also served as chief minister Punjab before becoming prime minister of Pakistan, highlighted the establishment of a Daanish School in the area, and reiterated Nawaz Sharif’s vision of providing quality education to the underprivileged children. He accused the PTI government of pushing the country backward, pointing to rising inflation and soaring fertilizer prices. Drawing a sharp contrast with the Nawaz Sharif era, he emphasised the need to return to policies that brought prosperity and employment opportunities to millions.

Shehbaz Sharif also announced plans to establish IT and Agriculture universities in the region. He also pledged to grant district status to Jampur if his party was elected to power again.

He said the darkness of May 9 would end on February 9. He urged people to vote for ‘lion’, the PMLN election symbol, on February 8.