26 June 2004	Saturday	07 Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1425

LAHORE, June 25: The Punjab is politically stable and playing its role in strengthening national economy, says Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi.

Talking to newsmen at the Punjab Assembly building on Friday, he said the National Security Council would ensure survival of democracy in the country. It was the only forum where provinces and opposition had representation.

Pervaiz expressed his dismay over opposition's decision to stay away from the NSC meeting and asked it to play its "due role."

Responding to the arrest of some opposition members of the Punjab Assembly on Friday who were protesting against the government, he said that no one was allowed to take out processions on the Mall. "The government has earmarked Manto Park for the purpose and political parties should use it instead of disturbing businesses on the Mall.

Commenting on the recent budget, the CM said that it was part of an integrated strategy of the government aimed at ending ad-hocism and contributing to the national economy. The CM claimed that it was for the first time that utilization of budget had gone up to 80 per cent in the Punjab.

The chief minister said the government had collected additional revenue of Rs9 billion during the last year and proved that it was possible through transparent and good governance without putting extra burden on people. The government was also busy in framing long and short term policies which would be made public next month.

Pervaiz said that a 'triangle' among Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sialkot would be developed to meet the manpower needs of local industry. A university there would be affiliated with a German university to improve education standards.