LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that honesty and transparent accountability is the only way forward for Pakistan. Talking to the media after a flag-hoisting ceremony at Lahore Fort in connection with 70th Independence Day of Pakistan on Monday, the chief minister said, “We should set aside our differences and promote unity, harmony, love and mutual respect. Pakistan is a nuclear power and has the ability to crush anyone who will dare cast an evil eye on the land of the pure.” He added, “The day reminds us to renew our commitment to work hard to make Pakistan a prosperous and developed state.” He, however, said that would not do any good and practical steps were the need of the hour. “We should look into history to see what we have achieved and what remains unachieved.” Describing the corruption as the root cause of all evils, he said that elite class was enjoying all the luxuries of the life while the general public in all the provinces were facing dearth of basic facilities. “We should recall the speech of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah that was delivered on August 11 in which the father of the nation termed bribery and corruption poison for the country.” He held aristocracy responsible for all ills facing the country. He said the elite class had got their loans worth billions of rupees written off and their corruption scandals were known to everybody. “It is this class that has dealt a heavy blow to the foundations of the country.” He said that everyone in Pakistan should be provided with equal opportunities. Pakistan, he said, came into being on the basis of Islamic ideology. “Islam teaches us to ensure social and economic justice.” Referring to the war on terror, the chief minister vowed to purge the country of terrorists. He said that sacrifice rendered by the personnel of the Pakistan Army, police, security institutions and the masses would yield positive results. The nation was united against terrorism, he said, adding the only thing required to defeat terrorists was unity. “We will have to work hard with dedication, determination and honesty to make Pakistan an Islamic and welfare state as per the thoughts of Quaid-i-Azam and Allama Iqbal.” Earlier, Lahore Mayor Colonel (r) Mubashir Javaid presented the welcome address. Consul generals of China, Turkey, Iran and the US were also present on the occasion, besides provincial ministers, chief secretary and senior civil and military officers. Separately, in his message in connection with the ‘health week, the chief minster Monday said that the Punjab government had increased the health budget to provide best medical facilities to the people. He said the improvement in the health sector and provision of best health facilities were the priorities of the government. He said billions of rupees had been spent to improve medical facilities and medicines worth billions of rupees were being provided to patients free of cost. He said that blood screening and vaccination camps would be set up at tehsil headquarters (THQ) and district headquarters (DHQ) hospitals during the health week. The health week will be observed across the province from August 15 to 19. Published in Daily Times, August 15th 2017.