Punjab CM seeks Murree uplift plan

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has sought a comprehensive plan for the development of Murree.

While co-chairing a special meeting on Murree’s problems and development needs with PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif on Monday, the chief minister ordered banning the use of plastic in Murree and other tourist spots to ensure cleanliness and environmental preservation.

She examined a proposed site for the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital in Murree and approved, in principle, a Water Supply Scheme to bring water from the river Jhelum to Murree, besides seeking a plan for the maintenance and filtration of the existing water scheme.

A ban on the entry of vehicles into Murree was considered in the meeting, while the chief minister directed the start of cable car and modern tram services for safe parking in Murree. A proposal to issue permit cards to vehicles entering Murree was also reviewed in the meeting.

The chief minister ordered ensuring parking space in every building and identifying and immediately demolishing illegal buildings in Murree. A final plan for clearing encroachments in Murree was also approved in the meeting, and it was decided to make the bus stand functional besides closing all illegal bases in Murree.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the development of New Murree, Kotli Sattian, and other adjoining areas into alternative tourist destinations.

She further directed the construction of motorway-like clean toilets in Murree and also approved the establishment of the Solid Waste Management and Parks and Horticulture Authority for Murree.

The chief minister directed the widening of Murree roads and making them one-way. She said: “The streets of Murree will be cleared of potholes and street markets will be restored.”

The extension of Jhika Gali Chowk was also reviewed in the meeting. “Murree has become a concrete jungle. Construction standards have not been taken into consideration,” said PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif, adding, “Construction of hotels and buildings on landsliding points can be very dangerous.”

Nawaz Sharif said: “In the past, the goal was to make money, destroying the ancient beauty of historical buildings. Tourist sites present a dismal picture of mismanagement.”

He said: “I congratulate Shehbaz Sharif for removing illegal buildings in Murree.” Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said: “Bad structures are distorting the natural beauty of Murree.”

She added, “The protection of people’s lives is the foremost duty of the government.” MPA Bilal Sati, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Commissioner Aamir Khattak, Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Shirazi, RPO, and other officials attended the meeting. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and MNA Osama Ashfaq Sarwar joined the meeting via video link.

SCHOOL VISIT: Teachers and students of the Government Girls High School, Murree, were pleasantly surprised to see Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who reached there in heavy rain.

The chief minister inquired about the studies and other issues raised by the students. She asked them, “Where do you come from? If there is any problem or need, let me know.” The chief minister expressed her love and affection for the girls and ordered the best medical treatment for a girl with a disability in one arm. She appreciated the arrangements at the school.

CONDOLENCE : Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious human lives in the Kallar Kahar accident. She offered condolences and expressed sympathy to the bereaved families. The chief minister directed the provision of the best medical facilities to the injured and prayed for their complete and early recovery.