Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Monday emphasised the need for prioritisation of development activity to ensure the welfare of the people.
He was addressing a meeting held to review the Annual Development Programme for the financial year 2014-15.
Senior government officials presented various development proposals in the meeting that lasted more than five hours. The chief minister asked the officials to strive for further improving the Annual Development Programme and ensure appropriate prioritisation of development activity for the welfare, progress and prosperity of the people of the province.
It was decided in the meeting that more funds would be allocated for the development of the social sector and of backward districts, especially in south Punjab, under the Annual Development Programme.
Separately, the chief minister strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and praised the security forces personnel for their courage and professionalism in carrying out the operation to eliminate the terrorists.
At least 18 people were killed and several injured in the attack on the Karachi airport that began late on Sunday night and lasted more than five hours. All 10 terrorists were also killed; three of them blew themselves up and the remaining seven were shot and killed by the security personnel, which included army troops and airport security staff.
The chief minister said that the security forces personnel had foiled terrorists’ designs by courageously safeguarding national assets even at the cost of their lives. He said that the nation was proud of its brave sons who had set examples of valour by not flinching in the line of duty and at great personal risk. Their sacrifices would not go in vain, he said. Sharif called the attack highly deplorable and prayed for the early recovery of the injured security officials.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2014.