Daily Times

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif has said those who are talking about capturing Punjab should lift Karachi’s garbage first.

“They are welcome to do politics in Punjab, but first they should look into the condition of metropolitan city,” he said while inaugurating the Emergency Services Academy near Thokar Niaz Baig on Monday.

The chief minister was reportedly responding to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairman Zardari’s statement regarding gaining ground in Punjab during next general elections. Zardari had also criticised PML-N for its policies and attitude towards other political parties and judiciary.

The academy has been completed at a cost of over Rs 900 million. The Punjab government has allocated Rs 908 million for the Emergency Services Academy.

Addressing the passing-out parade of the Rescue 1122 on the occasion, the chief minister said, “The Services Academy makes us remember the cause for which Pakistan was created where people would be facilitated with health and education facilities.” He added: “It would be an extreme oppression for our nation if rulers are indulged in corruption and unscrupulousness while our rescue departments are not fully equipped with latest facilities and people are being deprived of health, education and other basic facilities and rights. He said that the building of academy was simple but it was still fully equipped and functional.

“It is the need of the hour to team up to work for humanity,” he said, adding that those who are indulged in corruption should be held accountable.

“The corrupt should be made accountable on strict terms so that no one can dare to loot national resources,” he maintained.

He said that the previous governments had looted national wealth mercilessly and now they were levelling baseless allegations on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He said that political and military leadership, traders and elite would have to come forward to serve the ailing humanity.

He congratulated Punjab finance minister, chief secretary, Rescue 1122 DG and entire team on the inauguration of the academy. The chief minister also distributed shields among the rescuers displaying outstanding performance during the course.

Separately, the chief minister Monday took notice of the extraordinary increase in the prices of eatables and sought a report from the authorities concerned.

Chairing a high-level meeting of the provincial cabinet on Monday, the chief minister directed officials of Food Price and Control Authority to find out reasons behind the price hike, and bring back prices on routine after necessary actions.

It may be mentioned that prices of daily commodities like chicken, tomatoes and vegetables have been increased across the country, including Punjab.