Thank you Mr Gilani for development in Multan but …

Multan had been ignored by successive governments since the British rulers invaded India. On January 23, Prime Minister Gilani inaugurated development projects worth Rs 10 billion including seven mega projects at Chungi No 9, which includes six flyovers and extension of Bosan Road, extension project of the road in Chowk Nang Shah and a basic health centre at Hamid Pur Kanora. Former Punjab food minister Hussain Jahania Gardezi thinks the development projects launched by the prime minister were need of the hour and he had taken a bold step to do the needful. “But in my view, a lot has to be done for Multanis as these development projects are nothing in comparison to the development done in other parts of the province. You can simply compare the quantum of development with the fact that the development projects launched across southern Punjab are less than the money dumped in building the Ring Road Lahore from airport to Defence Phase-V,” he said.
Gardezi said that infrastructure development in Multan would lure investors to this “forgotten city” as the region was already rich in resources but long awaited the attention of the ruling elites. “This is a first step in the right direction. I think the northern bypass should be linked to Sher Shah Road and also to the Multan Airport which would boost trade opportunities and the exports would be multiplied manifold,” he added.
Gardezi said that over the past 15 years, the population of the city had been doubled but the infrastructure remained the same. “No investor invests in a city which has no infrastructure. What needs to be done is to build a good sewerage system on the south of Multan and adjoining cities should be focused for development and farm-to-markets roads should be strengthened while cold storage facilities should be provided for boosting the farming community,” he asserted.
Multan is one of those rich regions which are known for record crops of wheat, cotton and sugarcane besides growers also harvesting excellent yield of rice, maize, tobacco and pulses. Mangoes are exported around the world, which is recognition of Pakistan among the comity of nations while citrus, guavas and pomegranate are main fruits grown in this district. Dates, Pears, Phalsa and Banana are also grown in minor quantities in Multan. Potatoes, onion and cauliflower are main vegetables grown in the district. Besides, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, chillies, carrot, cauliflower, peas and garlic are also grown in the district in minor quantities.
An area of around 1,900 acres is under forest in the district. There is also linear plantation of 808.99 Km alongside the roads/rails/canals in the district. Trees grown in the area are kikar, shisham and mulbury, while livestock is also the strength of Multan.
However, after the creation of Pakistan, governments have been giving a cold shoulder to Multan, increasing the gap between the rich and the poor. The elites nurtured their belongings and millionaires became billionaires and Sardars turned into chieftains but the common people remained underprivileged and unheard.