SARGODHA, April 22: Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool said on Monday that the pro-poor government of Gen Pervez Musharraf saved the society from extremists who had made it hostage.

He was speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the District Bar Association here.

He said that lawyers would be given role in the arbitration council. Women lawyers would be made family courts judges.

The governor said that the Punjab government believed in the freedom of expression and did not give any advice to the judiciary. “It is the aim of the present government to provide justice to every body irrespective of his or her status and affiliation.”

He said that Gen Musharraf provided better governance and discouraged nepotism and strengthened the grip around the neck of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats through ruthless accountability.

He said that the government was spending Rs300 million for the construction and renovation of courts, judicial lock-ups and Bar rooms.

About the demand for the establishment of a high court bench at Sargodha, the governor said that he would take up the matter with Gen Musharraf. He hoped that this demand would be given favourable consideration.

The governor announced Rs0.5 million grant for the Bar and directed the DCO and the District Nazim to start development projects in the lawyers residential colony.

Later, he administered oath to the newly-elected office-bearers.

Federal Minister for Law Dr Khalid Ranjha lauded the Bar for extending support to the government. He announced Rs200,000 for the Bar library.

The minister also appreciated the announcement of the governor about grant of scholarship to the students of medical, engineering and information technology institutions.

Earlier, Sargodha DBA president Rao Abdul Ghaffar in his welcome speech assured full support to the present regime.

Newly-elected DBA general secretary Chaudhry Arshad Hinjra also spoke on the occasion.