Work on Ashiana Iqbal from March 23

LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that the foundation stone of Ashiana Iqbal on Burki Road will be laid on March 23 and besides construction of 5, 7 and 10 marla houses, apartments will also be constructed there.

He said that after first Aashiyana Housing Scheme at Saroba Attari, thousands of houses with modern facilities would also be constructed in Ashiana Iqbal for the poor and common man. He stated this while presiding over a briefing regarding Ashiana Iqbal project here on Sunday.

Shahbaz said the Punjab government had realised the dream of labourers, orphans, widows and hapless people of having their own shelter by providing houses with modern facilities through Ashiana schemes. He said tall claims of the welfare of the poor were made for the last 64 years but no practical step was taken.

He said credit of providing shelter to the poor went to the Pakistan Muslim League-N which was laying a network of Ashiana schemes. He said that the poor had as much right over national resources as the elite, adding that the best and precious land had been selected for Ashiana Iqbal on Barki Road where besides other facilities, a bus terminal, medical college, a university and a technical educational institute would also be established.

He directed the DCO Lahore to immediately start the construction work of the link road for Ashiana Iqbal and a police kiosk should also be set up there. He said as per policy of the Punjab government, the project will also be a unique of its kind with regard to transparency and quality.

While directing to release “feed money” of Rs 200 million, he said that prequalification of the contractors should also be done for the project and such contractors should be selected who had the experience and devotion to work.

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister inspected various parks constructed at Allama Iqbal International Airport. He said that maximum fruit trees should be planted in two parks spread over 117 acres of land adjacent to airport..

assistance: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif went to Pajian village and expressed his sympathy with the family of Naik Mohammed who was killed while trying to bring about reconciliation between the two parties.

Announcing financial assistance of Rs 500,000 for the family of the deceased, the CM directed the SSP Investigation that the culprits involved in the incident should be arrested within 48 hours and a report submitted to him. He also announced a government job for the daughter of the deceased.

Member Provincial Assembly Muhammad Afzal Khokhar and senior police officers were also present. Talking to the victim family and media persons, Shahbaz Sharif said that he was very sad on the heart-wrenching incident and the culprits involved in this incident would be taken to task.

Party workers: Pakistan Muslim League office-bearers and workers of PP-139 and PP-140, Lahore, called on Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif under the leadership of Ajasam Sharif and Khawaja Imran Nazir. Veteran Muslim League leader and former Member Punjab Assembly Haji Muhammad Sharif was also present on the occasion. The chief minister announced to lay foundation of a new girls college in Krishannagar and Sant Nagar areas next week.