Foundation stone laid for elevated expressway

Islamabad: Chief Minister Punjab, Mian Shahbaz Sharif laid the foundation stone of Rs 16 billion (9 kilometer long Elevated Expressway) to be constructed from Flashman's Hotel to Faizabad, at Flashman's Chowk.

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has prepared the feasibility report of the project while Nespak would make detailed design of the expressway in four months and Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) was assigned the task to execute this project.

The 9 K.M long with four lanes (two lanes on one side) expressway would be built over the present Murree Road at the height of 20 feet and with the width of 60 feet.

The project would be completed with the cost of Rs 16 billion within stipulated time of one and a half years. The project was a pressing demand of Rawalpindi as Murree Road, was no more able to absorb the traffic pressure.

After foundation stone laying ceremony Mian Shahbaz Sharif went to University of Arid Agriculture where he addressed a mammoth gathering, the first after becoming second time chief minister.

Addressing the charged Muslim Leaguers, Shahbaz Sharif said that the government of PML (N) would launch more mega projects of public interest, through out the province and bring back the lost glory and honour of the country, which had been lost during last eight years of dictatorship. He said that during the period of oppression the rulers earned few dollars for shedding the blood of Pakistani nation.

He said that the country was moving in the right direction and the mega projects were in full swing when Musharraf derailed the democracy in 1999. 'At that time the project of Elevated Expressway for Rawalpindi was also on the cards of the government', he added.

He said that Pakistan returned to democracy in such a terrible plight that the whole nation was pushed to darkness. The industry and agriculture are taking last breaths and people are being unemployed. PML (N) has accepted the challenges to revamp the whole situation. He said that Nawaz Sharif never bowed before any super power or dictator. Despite the five telephone calls he decided to carry out the nuclear test. The PML (N) leadership would never frustrate the aspirations of the people who voted for the party.

The Chief Minister said the entire Pakistan including AJK has full right on the wheat production of Punjab and the provincial government would try to cater the requirement of whole Pakistan by cutting its share. He said that Punjab government would continue the supply of bread (Roti) at Rs 2 to the people. He said that flour would be provided at subsidised rates to the NGOs who would identify the tandoors for supply of bread at cheaper rates to the common man.

He said the Pindiites have taken the revenge from those elements that showed political disloyalty just for the lust of power.