LAHORE, Nov 15: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif says like Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has transformed his province through good governance, transparency, and determination, the Punjab government of PML-N has also promoted good governance, merit and transparency.

“As Mr Kumar is a socialist I am an Islamic socialist.”

He expressed these views at a seminar on governance and social sector progress held at Government College University Lahore here on Thursday where the Indian guest was also invited.

Shahbaz said before Mr Kumar, corruption and cronyism were rampant in Bihar as Punjab was being plundered through corruption before the PML-N rule.

He said Pakistan and India must move forward for peace and amity to resolve their mutual issues by promoting bilateral relations through negotiations.

He alleged that taxpayers’ money was looted in the name of development projects by cronies of former dictator Gen Musharaf while secret fund worth Rs300 million was also embezzled.

He said the cronies, contractors and concerned departments made an unholy alliance to loot the national exchequer.

However, he claimed that now no political interference was being made in any sector nor he tolerated it as “all matters are now being performed in a transparent manner.”

Shahbaz said people were sick of incompetent rulers due to their alleged corruption, loadshedding and bad governance.

“General elections are quite near and now people will elect honest, determined and committed leadership which will solve their problems.”

Mr Kumar said both the countries must get benefit from each other’s experiences. He said: “We were one and what had happened has happened but our history and heritage is common, therefore the time has come to move forward leaving the past behind. We should not fight each other but fight against hunger, poverty and disease.”

He said political will was needed to implement law which would lead to pursue cases against criminals and ultimately convictions.