Govts don’t change over whims of few people: PM

• Sharif vows to fulfil PML-N’s agenda of socio-economic uplift, progress and prosperity of the nation despite hindrance by some elements
• Punjab CM says first phase of compensation to the flood victims has been completed and the second will begin on Monday

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Saturday that the people of Pakistan have elected Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the party will complete its five-year tenure as per the people’s mandate, adding that the government will not allow any force to impede the nation’s progress.

“Governments do not change over the whims of a few people,” he remarked while addressing a meeting to review the process of rehabilitation of the flood-hit people and development projects in the country.

The PM resolved that the ruling party would implement all its targets and promises– including the agenda of socio-economic uplift, progress and prosperity of the people – during its constitutional tenure.

“The government is committed to steering the country out of the present crisis and put it on the path to progress,” said Sharif, adding that an era of the country’s development has begun following the assumption of power by PML-N but some elements are hindering the development process.

SHARIF LAUDS SHARIF:

The PM commended the initiatives of the Punjab Government for the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims and also lauded Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s for “personally working day and night in this regard”.

Earlier, the CM and Lahore Development Authority (LDA) director general also briefed the meeting about the various development projects in Lahore Division.

Briefing the meeting about the relief efforts for the flood victims, Shahbaz said that Rs 25,000 per family had been paid to the flood victims in the first phase of compensation till October 5 and the second phase of compensation would begin in 16 flood-hit districts on October 20.

“At present, the process of survey of the losses caused by the rains and floodwater to the crops, cattle, houses, buildings, roads and infrastructure is in the final stages,” said Shahbaz.

He added that the compensation amount is being contributed equally by the Punjab and federal government and thanked the prime minister for his support to the provincial government.

Shahbaz said that a number of development projects had been launched in the province and some had already been completed in record time.

“To ensure transparency and effective monitoring of the projects, a third-party audit has been introduced,” said Shahbaz, vowing that the journey towards progress would continue under PM Sharif’s leadership.