Lahore, August 10, 2020 (PPI-OT): Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar inaugurated tree plantation campaign today by planting a sapling at Shadman Market Park Lahore on the eve of Tiger Force Day. Usman Buzdar planted a fig sapling and prayed for the success of tree plantation campaign. CM while addressing the participants in the ceremony congratulated the youth members of Tiger Force along with Usman Dar on the eve of Tiger Force Day and inauguration of tree plantation campaign.
He disclosed that more than 12 lac saplings are being planted across Punjab on Tiger Force Day adding that saplings are being planted in 522 various ceremonies being organized across the province. He highlighted that target of planting one lac 60 thousand saplings has been fixed at 51 various places of Lahore today. He informed that 62 different species of saplings are planted on 154 kanal acres of land in order to promote urban forest in Lahore.
He illustrated that forest is being developed in Shadman Market Park under a Japanese miyawaki to plant saplings and added that more than 9 thousand saplings are being planted in the forest which would grow into trees in coming few months. He underscored that miyawaki is a latest technology under which saplings planted grow ten times faster as compared to a normal planted sapling. He highlighted that such saplings absorb 40 per cent carbon dioxide which sufficiently reduces environmental pollution.
CM emphasized that urban forest is need of the time and resolved to further promote it. Usman Buzdar pledged that we would provide clean and green Pakistan to the new generations by planting maximum trees. He appealed to the citizens to properly look after the trees. CM vowed that we are fully determined to meet the target set by Prime Minister Imran Khan to plant ten billion tsunami trees. He appreciated that the youth members of tiger force are participating with full zeal and vigour in this national campaign.
CM apprised that we will also establish a new forest on a vast area of land in Sialkot. He urged the masses, elected representatives and youth to plant saplings and look after them as well. CM highlighted that Ravi River Front Urban Development Project is a mega programme launched by PTI government. He added that 60 lac saplings will be planted under this project which would bring significant positive change in the environment.
CM Usman Buzdar while talking with the media representatives regretted that an organized propaganda campaign is being launched against the PTI government from the very onset and a befitting reply to this propaganda is also given on daily basis. He remarked that in the capacity of CM, he has performed his duties according to rules, regulations, law and is still performing likewise. He intimated that all affairs of the government are being run under the rules of business. He reiterated the we have always followed and upheld law along with fully implementing the rules of procedure. He highlighted that earlier he has also appeared before the Supreme Court, Lahore High Court, Islamabad High Court, FIA and will also appear before the NAB now.
In reply to another question he stated that our inner self is clear, transparent and there is nothing to worry about. He stressed that he is ready to appear before NAB not for one time only but for ten times if summoned by them. He outlined that neither he has done any wrongdoing nor would allow anyone to do so. CM asked media persons to look into the file and tell him if there is any mentioning of CM Office in it. He stated that there is no link of CM Office anywhere in the file. He asked them not to believe in hearsay adding that record is available and asked them to read the file along with documents which would make everything clear.
He informed that many official files are proceeded on daily basis and every file is not submitted before the CM. In reply to another question, he maintained that Prime Minister Imran Khan during his visit to Lahore also met with elected representatives and added that Prime Minister Imran Khan commended the steps taken by the Punjab government to eradicate corona pandemic along with appreciating the performance of administration in this regard. He remarked that Punjab is undoubtedly a big province and is also confronted with problems.
He maintained that wherever issues come to surface, we take prompt action as it is our responsibility. He regretted that false news have been aired to do character assassination and appealed them to talk on some constructive point. In reply to another question, CM said that those hurling false accusations should keep on doing their work and we will continue to do our work. He underscored that he would go to every nook and corner of the province and would work for the uplift and betterment of the province. In replay to another question, Usman Buzdar said that Ravi River Front Urban Development Project will prove to be a game changer project and this is the biggest project of Pakistan.
He deplored that no previous government had the will and initiative to launch this project. He thanked that with the blessings of Allah Almighty, PTI government has initiated work on this project adding that new city will stretch on 46 kilometres area of land. He informed that three barrages will be constructed and a new city will be inhabited on the pattern of Singapore and Dubai.
He apprised that international quality facilities will be provided in this new city and added that lake will also be made which will have the capacity of storing five lac 85 thousand cusec water under this project. He highlighted that with the setting up of this lake, not only eco system of river will improve but underground water level will also be restored.
CM illustrated that according to the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and to eradicate water and environmental pollution, green zones will be established in which 60 lac saplings will be planted. He underscored that after Islamabad this will be the first city of Pakistan which will be inhabited through proper planning in which latest medical city, sports city, tourism, entertainment city, finance city, innovative city, education city and 12 different specialized cities will be established.
He stated that overseas Pakistanis, national and international investors will be provided opportunities to make secure investment worth billions of rupees. He apprised that 90 per cent items will be locally manufactured being used in the Ravi River Front Urban Development Project which would promote Pakistani industry and would escalate economic activities.
CM was also given briefing with regard to plant saplings under tree plantation campaign especially in Lahore for the promotion of urban forest. CM was also donned with a tiger force cap. CM also met with the youth members of tiger force and appreciated their determination and resolve. Provincial Ministers Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, Muhammad Sibtain Khan, Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan, Adviser Asif Mehmood, Chairman PHA Lahore Yasir Gillani, Vice Chairman Zeeshan Rasheed, Secretary Forests, Secretary Housing, Secretary Information, DG PHA, concerned officers and youth members of tiger force were also present on this occasion.
For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-9201390-86
Website: www.punjab.gov.pk