CHITRAL: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday urged all political parties to shun politics of agitation and work together for the development of the country.
Address a gathering in Chitral, the premier said that despite propaganda of opponents, the government’s journey of national development and prosperity would continue unabated.
“I neither take notice of those doing politics of agitation, nor respond to them. People themselves give a better ‘reply’ to such elements by not paying heed to their call.”
He said that he could only pray for the guidance of such elements, adding that they should instead focus their energies on making the country prosperous.
Nawaz said it was his dream that all political opponents worked together for the development of country. “We have no grudge against anyone and only believe in working together,” he said, adding that had there been any malice, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would not have let other political parties form governments in provinces.
The premier, who was in Chitral on a daylong visit, announced construction of a university, a 250-bed hospital under the PM’s Health Programme and several road links. He also vowed completion of Lowari Tunnel project by June next year, a project lingering on since 1955.
Nawaz said he had great affinity for the people of Chitral and had been frequently visiting the area to oversee development projects. “For me, Chitral is no less important than Lahore, Karachi or any other city, and I want this area to be developed at par with the rest of the country,” he said.
The premier said he believed in political harmony and mentioned the presence of Shahzada Iftikharuddin, a member of the National Assembly from Chitral belonging to the All Pakistan Muslim League, and District Nazim Maghfirat Shah of Jamaat-e-Islami. “It doesn’t matter to which party these people belong. I will be supportive to them for development of Chitral,” he said.
The PM mentioned that his government had released Rs 27 billion for the early completion of Lowari Tunnel, which was facing delay due to neglect of the previous governments.
He termed the project’s delay “utterly ruthless” towards the people of Chitral and said his government was acting swiftly for redressing the issues.
He said that Rs 17 billion were being spent on the construction of Chitral-Lowari-Chakdara Road, adding that it would be just like a motorway.
Nawaz said the announcement of a university in Chitral, the first in 70 years, would help mainstreaming of local youth in the national development process.
He also mentioned construction of a 108 megawatt Golan Gol Hydropower Project in Chitral, which would benefit at least 100 towns.
He directed the National Highway Authority chairman to complete feasibilities of three road projects – Shandur-Mastuj Road via Chitral, and Garam Chashma and Bamborait roads from Chitral.
The prime minister also announced a grant of Rs 200 million for Chitral’s district government, to be spent on uplift of streets and markets and improve sanitation.
Speaking on the occasion, MNA Shahzada Iftikharuddin said that Nawaz Sharif had brought the “real change” in the form of development in the country, contrary to the politicians who only believed in politics of sit-ins.
He said that with ample funds released by the premier, the long-awaited Lowar Tunnel would be completed next year.
Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif said that his government was working for uniform progress and prosperity of the entire country, and that this journey towards prosperity would continue.
He was expressing his views during a briefing given to him on the rehabilitation of people affected by earthquake and recent floods.
The prime minister said that all development projects in Chitral would be completed in accordance with the wishes of the residents.
Earlier, upon his arrival, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was received by Amir Muqam and local notables.
