07 February 2004	Saturday	15 Zilhaj 1424

LAHORE, Feb 6: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi on Friday directed the authorities concerned to beautify the city, especially its entry points, to save visitors from the ugly looks of colonies around the Ravi.

He was presiding over a meeting to discuss the affairs of the Parks and Horticulture Authority. PHA Director-General Shabbir Ahmad briefed the chief minister on some projects, mainly the cable car, which the authority intended to install between the Ravi Park and the mausoleum of Emperor Jahangir.

However, the chief minister expressed his dissatisfaction over the state of affairs in the localities around the Ravi, which, he said, presented an ugly look.

He also constituted a committee under the chief secretary to scrutinize development projects the PHA intended to launch through the public-private partnership, and check credentials of the private parties to ensure transparent dealing.

He asked some of the town Nazims, who attended the meeting, to concentrate on removing encroachments and cleaning the city. A comprehensive programme was being made to promote the city's culture and provide ample recreational opportunities to the people, he added.

Pervaiz Elahi said signboards and hoardings should be affixed in an orderly manner and without marring the beauty of all crossings. An increase in revenue, smooth flow of traffic and convenience of people should also be kept in mind while installing these, he said.

He maintained arrangements should also be made to beautify the neglected areas in Lahore on a priority. The reforms introduced by the government could give better results provided they were implemented in letter and spirit by the machinery, he said.