5, April 2005	Tuesday	25 Safar 1426

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window).

JHANG, April 4: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi said on Monday the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) was against the progress and prosperity of the country and that was the reason for its indulgence in activities to destroy the law and order situation by giving strike calls and organizing agitations. He was addressing a public meeting in Shafqat Shaheed Ground during his one-day visit to the district.

The chief minister said Islam preached love and brotherhood. The MMA never felt hesitation in bringing out women on roads to take part in strikes and rallies. But when they were brought out to take part in sports and other healthy activities, they were attacked by the MMA workers for indulging in ‘un-Islamic’ activities.

He strongly condemned the MMA for disrupting the Gujranwala Marathon.

He claimed that the government policies had put economy back on track and the country was progressing.

He announced that after the tremendous success of his literate Punjab programme, he was embarking upon his next programme, healthy Punjab, under which all rural health centres would be up-graded and equipped with modern machinery. Doctors’ salaries would be increased and they would be allowed to do private practice in the evening.

He said his government would ensure provision of free medicines in the emergency wards and doctors performing duty there would be given double salary.

The chief minister announced the upgradation of Ghazali Inter College to the status of degree college and establishment of a degree college at Athara Hazari.

Mr Elahi also announced upgradation of all middle schools of the district to high school level within two years.

The chief minister said work on mega projects for the development of the district at a cost of Rs1.7 billion was in progress and would complete soon.

He announced a development package for Jhang which included construction of bridges on the river Chenab near Chand Bharwana and Garh Maharaja, ring roads around Jhang and Chiniot and setting up of an industrial estate in Jhang. He also announced a lawyers colony, press club, chamber of commerce and industry and Anjuman-i-Tajran.

Earlier, the chief minister visited the DHQ Hospital where he inaugurated the construction of a 105-bed Ghulam Nabi Memorial Ward and announced Rs250 million for its completion on behalf of the Punjab government. He also laid the foundation of a sports stadium near the Mai Heer Stadium. He met delegations from various walks of life.