THE speed with which Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is launching projects of far-reaching importance in different spheres of life has the potential to make the province a role model for economic growth and development on medium to long term basis. It seems necessary homework has already been done as the issues relating to financing mechanisms and implementation timelines are also being taken care of.
Hardly a day passes without the new Chief Minister making some important announcement vis-à-vis launching of mega projects and measures for resolution of day-to-day problems of the citizens. The latest additions are execution of two major transport projects, which envisage provision of 657 eco-friendly urban buses to alleviate sufferings of commuters in cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Bahawalpur in the first phase. The Punjab Government’s famous metro and orange bus projects played a significant role in alleviating problems of people in major cities and now addition of a sizable number of buses can also address the issue of traffic congestion if travel through public transport is made comfortable and affordable. There is also a plan to provide 20,000 e-bikes beginning from May this year, which would help improve mobility of the youth, especially girls. The Chief Minister is also focused on provision of one hundred thousand houses to low-income families in the province. In a latest development, she directed to reduce the housing instalments for low-income individuals and set a deadline for marking land for housing construction in different districts. Several projects have also been set in motion aimed at transforming Lahore into a hub of innovation and education, as well as enhancing cleanliness across the province. Preparations are afoot to launch IT, education and film city projects in the provincial capital with potential to create over one million jobs, especially for IT graduates and skilled work force. The proposed IT City is not a mere slogan as leading global companies like Microsoft and Oracle have already expressed their keen interest to establish their offices in the city. Relevant authorities have been asked to approach Chinese IT firms for establishment of their offices in Lahore. Once completed, this will be the country’s first dedicated IT and tech mega district with state-of-the-art allied facilities for development and exports of IT-related products and services. Additionally, plans are being discussed for the establishment of campuses of renowned international universities in the Education City in Lahore, catering to students from all over Pakistan. Such an arrangement would help brilliant students from ordinary backgrounds, who cannot afford to pursue studies abroad, to get quality education in Pakistan. A Film City is also planned in Lahore where modern studios, production houses, and allied artistic facilities will be developed for creating a complete entertainment ecosystem. Lahore project will have a commercial and residential area, where modern living facilities coupled with world-class amenities will be offered. The entire project will have proper roads, water, and sewerage infrastructure with allocated space for parks and green areas. Another important initiative is the free Wi-Fi pilot project in Lahore, with plans to initially implement it in educational institutions, airports, railway stations and bus stands. The project aims to provide free Wi-Fi at 10 locations within the next two weeks, with a total of 516 locations planned for coverage. As part of the ‘Clean Punjab’ initiative, a Model Pilot Project is being launched in Jhelum, Jhang, Vehari and Bahawalnagar to make these cities models of cleanliness. While appreciating the efforts of the Chief Minister, we may point out that the relevant institutions and authorities are not taking seriously the plans being announced by the Chief Minister. This is evident from heaps of filth one can still witness in different areas of Rawalpindi even after repeated announcements of the CM to give the province a new look within a month. There are also no moves as yet towards repair of the dilapidated streets and roads as well as proper maintenance of the sewerage system, which are deeply linked to the success of the cleanliness campaign. The Chief Minister, no doubt, has a vision and passion for development, which she inherited from her father Mian Nawaz Sharif, but their faithful implementation would require removal of hurdles, regular monitoring and penalties for those who miss the targets.
