Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday presented himself and members of his team for accountability under an historic agreement.
According to details, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Model Town today between Punjab government and Transparency International Pakistan (TIP). Under the MoU, impartial international institution would review rules and regulations and transparency of the laptop scheme, Ujala programme and Metro Bus project and would present its report before the end of the constitutional tenure of the present government.
The chief minister announced that the report of TIP would be brought before the people in its totality and if any irregularity was found those responsible would not be spared and strict action would be taken against them.
Talking to journalists, Shahbaz said that it was a historic day in the history of Pakistan as Punjab government had signed an MoU with TIP to review implementation and transparency of its three mega projects.
He said Punjab government had promoted transparency and a corruption-free culture in the province. Moreover, he said all development projects had been completed in a transparent manner during the last five years and if corruption of even a single penny is proved, he would be answerable to the people.
He said Punjab government had established an example of accountability by presenting its three mega projects worth Rs 36 billion to TIP.
He said the report by TIP would also unmask the reality of those who were accusing the Metro Bus project of costing Rs 70 billion or Rs 90 billion.
Shahbaz further said it was right of the people to be aware that no corruption was committed in the resources made available for their welfare and the way these resources were spent in industrial, agriculture, educational, health and other welfare projects.
Moreover, the chief minister said the Punjab government had given a new meaning to transparency by signing an MoU with TIP and had taken a revolutionary step, making it a unique example in the history of the country.
He said that the federal government had resorted to loot and plunder in the name of reconciliation during the last five years over which every Pakistani was ashamed.
He claimed that the Punjab government had promoted good governance and transparently served the people during its tenure. He said if some corruption was committed at functional level during execution of development projects, prompt action was taken and those responsible were punished.