Pb govt inks accord with TI to maintain transparency in uplift projects

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has presented himself and members of his team for accountability under an historic agreement.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in this regard at Model Town Friday between Punjab government and Transparency International Pakistan (TIP). Under this MoU, this impartial international institution would review rules and regulations and transparency of laptop scheme, Ujala programme and metro bus project and would present its report before the ending 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, God forbid, if any irregularity was found, those responsible would not be spared and strict action would be taken against them. On behalf of Punjab government, Secretary Energy Jehanzeb Khan, Secretary Higher Education Ijaz Munir and Director General LDA Ahad Cheema signed the MoU, while on behalf of TIP, the document was signed by its Chairman Sohail Muzaffar and Executive Director Saad Rashid. Advisor Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Chairman Lahore Transport Company Khawaja Ahmad Hasaan, Justice ® Nasira Javed Iqbal of Transparency International and others were present at the signing ceremony.

Talking to the media representatives on the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif said that today is a historic day in the history of Pakistan as Punjab government has signed an MoU with TIP to review implementation and transparency of its three mega projects. He said Punjab government has promoted transparency and a corruption-free culture in the province. He said all devel- opment projects have been completed in a transparent manner during the last five years and if corruption of even a single penny is proved, he is answerable to Allah Almighty and the people.

He said Punjab government has established a high example of accountability by presenting its three mega projects worth Rs.36 billion to TIP. He said no one has taken such a historic step before in Pakistan and presented himself for accountability. He said if, God forbid, any corruption or irregularity was found in the projects, then those responsible would not be spared and strict action would be taken against them.

He said the report of TIP would also unmask the reality of those who are accusing metro bus project of costing Rs.70 billion or Rs.90 billion, besides clarifying the factual position regarding any corruption or violation of PPRA rules in the implementation of the project. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said it is 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.

He said that people have right to know whether any irregularity was committed in the use of these national resources. The Chief Minister said that we have signed a MoU with TIP and have requested it to review transparency of these three projects in accordance with PPRA rules. He said Punjab government has given new direction to transparency by signing an MoU with TIP and has taken a revolutionary step, making it a unique and unbelievable example in the history of the country. He said it is for the first time in the 65 years’ history of the country that any government.