New Year will be peaceful, bring strong economy for Pakistan: Shahbaz

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in his message on the New Year said Pakistan of 2018 will be more peaceful, bright and strong as compared to that of past and Insha-Allah this new year will dawn as a hope for bright future, strong economy and prosperity.

“We will keep striving for making Pakistan a peaceful welfare state according to the vision of Quaid-i-Azam,” he vowed. Shahbaz said that CPEC is bringing economic stability in the country which is making people prosperous as it has proved to be the real game-changer for the country.

In the last year as well we have upheld the honour of completing the project with speed, standard and transparency in Punjab, he claimed and further added that the army, police and personnel of other forces have kept the flag high by rendering countless sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He said new energy projects and ending of loadshedding is the gift of government for our people. He said we have to move forward by passing through difficult circumstances and with the passion of correcting ourselves while learning from the past mistakes. We have to renew the pledge of abolishing difference between rich and poor and to provide equal opportunities to everyone, he added. We will also have to review our achievements and failures while greeting New Year 2018 and farewell to 2017. On the other hand, the chief minister performed Umrah and offered ‘Nawafil’ in Masjid Al Haram. He prayed for the unity of Ummah, development and progress of Pakistan and stability and peace in the country. He also offered special prayers for Muslims living in Kashmir and Palestine.

According to another report, the chief minister condoled the death of Haroonur Rasheed brother of opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed. While sympathising with the bereaved family in his condolence message, the chief minister prayed that may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and give patience to family to bear this irreparable loss. The chief minister expressed sorrow over the demise of Tehrik-e-Wahdat Islami chairman & vice president Jamiat-e-Ulema Pakistan Allama Malik Javed Akbar Saqi.

The chief minister also expressed grief over the loss of lives due to accident near Joharabad at Khushab. He extended sympathies to the bereaved families and also sought report of this fatal accident from the administration.

Meanwhile, the chief minister has taken a strict notice regarding worsening situation of seasonal influenza in Multan and sought report from provincial health minister and secretary.  He directed taking every necessary step for fighting flu in Multan. He ordered launching an awareness campaign for the treatment and precautionary measures for influenza.