LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the first and the most modern Vehicle Inspection and Certification System (VICS) of the country at Kala Shah Kaku, Sheikhupura. After inaugurating the system, he inspected its station and reviewed in detail all phases of inspection and certification of vehicles. He was also given a briefing on this occasion. The chief minister said that this latest system has been introduced with the cooperation of a prominent Swedish international company, OPUS, for the safety of the people travelling on roads. He said that scope of this system would be extended to the entire province, adding that this system would also reduce cases of car theft. He said that a total of 39 stations would be set up under VICS in Punjab by the end of 2017 whereas three centers would be established in Lahore. The chief minister thanked Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, chief secretary, transport secretary and OPUS authorities, saying that it was the first project of its kind that would cost Rs 1 billion and its sole purpose was safety of common man and travellers. He said that the new system would completely change the existing setup, adding that death of passengers due to decrepit vehicles and defective breaks was a tragedy. The chief minister said that those transporters and vehicle owners who would cooperate voluntarily would be given due respect while non-cooperative elements would be sent to police stations and jails.