LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday Pakistan is on the 'tipping point' to be taken forward on the path of progress and development. He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held in connection with inauguration of 'Ravi Urban Development Project,' here on Friday.

The premier said: "Two years were spent saving the country from default."

Highlighting the importance of the project, he said it will cost Rs five trillion and will help address issues pertaining to traffic congestion, water and environment pollution in Lahore City. "This project is best for overseas Pakistanis, as it will provide them an opportunity for greater investment," he said, adding: "The mega project will provide job opportunities to youth and will help in wealth creation, as the Punjab government plans to develop a most modern city over an area of more than one 100,000 acres near Lahore."

The premier said incentives have been given to the construction sector and 'Naya Pakistan Housing Project' and promotion of construction sector will also support 40 other allied industries. With the coronavirus, the country had been given reprieve to be able to inject capital from the informal economy into projects, he said, adding: "Now we have till December 31, to make use of funds from the informal economy as well."

The premier said: "It is our utmost effort to kick start work on the new city project at the earliest; this is the second biggest project after Islamabad which will create job opportunities and wealth."

Imran Khan said vertical buildings will be constructed in the new city in order to ensure that basic amenities reach every person. He said millions of trees will also be planted in the city to protect the environment.

The premier said, "When I was growing up in Lahore, we used to have tap water. It was sweet water and we never dreamed we would need bottled water. During my time in Zaman Park, there was no sign of pollution. The sky was clean. As the population grew and the city expanded, Zaman Park which used to be on the outskirts of the city, moved past the centre and on to the other side. That's how fast the city grew."

He said that the city's water level has also dropped drastically. "In the last 15 years, I think it has dropped 800 feet."

The PM said the green areas are on the decline. There will be food security issues. Pakistan has never witnessed wheat shortages before but now we have seen a drop by 1.5 million tonnes. Emphasizing the need for improving the performance of departments, the PM said improvement in governance is imperative for the country's development. Imran Khan also expressed the confidence that the civil officers will play a pivotal role in promotion of the construction sector. He also said rule of law, protecting the weak segments of the society and promotion of education were hallmarks of State of Madina.

He commended the concrete steps taken by the Punjab administration during Covid-19. The premier also met Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar at the Governor House and discussed political and other important matters. Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and Federal Ministers Shibli Faraz and Hammad Azhar were also present.

The governor apprised the PM about Punjab Aab-e-Pak authority, steps to provide relief to the public during coronavirus pandemic and the reforms in universities. The premier said that all resources will be utilized for bringing reforms in universities. He also directed to expedite steps to provide clean drinking water to the public as it can save them from various deadly diseases.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020

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