LAHORE, June 23: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Saturday highlighted the importance of the role of the government’s executive arm in national development, underlining the need to further improve it.

Speaking at the passing out of the 86th National Management Course of National School of Public Policy, he expressed keen interest in the future performance of the civil servants.

About the overall performance of the country in different sectors, the president underscored the need for public service-oriented goals and bold decisions by the bureaucracy.

Later, he gave away certificates to the participants in the course.

CHIEF MINISTER: President Musharraf had a one-on-one meeting with Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi at the Army Guest House where matters of national and provincial importance came under discussion.

The chief minister apprised the president of pace of work on mega projects and other development schemes in the province, besides details of the provincial budget.

Musharraf directed the chief minister to ensure completion of projects concerning education, health, agriculture, industries and other sectors to facilitate the public.

He appreciated allocation of 12 per cent more funds for southern Punjab than the ratio of population of the region and said it would help remove a sense of deprivation among the people of backward areas.—APP