It is a good project no doubt. But just look a his govt performance in other sectors.
Remember dengue, Punjab Cardiology Institute fake medicine scam and the recent poisonous cough syrup?
There are huge problems in setting priorities with this ruling elite. They want big ticket items only to get publicity. The inauguration so close to the election is also the indication of intention to cash in this public spending.
Questions are also very legitimate about the long term viability of this project and the maintenance of infrastructure around this project. Pakistan after all is failing on the economic front only because of these corrupt and self centred leaders.
Why do I feel called upon to correct misrepresentation?
OK,
1. Punjab Government did a good job with controlling Dengue. This was not only acknowledged by Shafqat Mahmood, but also plainly obvious by the lack of recurrence of Dengue last year.
2. PIC's problem with medication was traced to massive contamination that happened at Efroze Pharma in Karachi. The said firm was an approved supplier and its operation did not fall under Punjab Government, which did everything in its power to resolve the issue ASAP. Even going overboard to victimize doctors who had no control over this contamination issue.
3. Ever since Health was made a provincial subject, there has been confusion about the ownership of Medicine regulation. This is not just a problem with Punjab, but something that is country-wide. It is rather unfair to single out Punjab government for the problem with Cough syrup. Moreover it is pertinent to note that the people who suffered because of the Tyno Syrup were all addicts who consumed the said syrup in extraordinary quantity in order to get high. They did get high, in fact too high and could not come back.
4. You are right about the priorities of the ruling elite, but again it is hardly a problem confined to Punjab. If anything Punjab's ruling elite has at least done something to make things better. SS's son-in-law was arrested for his bodyguards' hooliganism. The law was followed to the letter. The wronged person received compensation and forgave him. Not a big case for the poor man, but a small victory for the rule of law. Show me something similar in any of the other provinces: KPK, Sindh, Baluchistan, Gilgit?
5. While there is substance in your allegation that big ticket projects are being completed in time for elections, you have to admit that this is democracy in action. Electoral concerns matter and we just have to accept that and move on. No sense in crying about a non-issue. Politicians are not angels and as Maria Memon tweeted: #MetroBus service: A job well done and for those who think this is an election stunt --I hope others pull such a stunt too.
6. @
airmarshal, @
darkinsky, @mr420, and others of your pursuasion need to come up with solid figures to show that this project (as well as others by SS) has a serious problem with corruption. I shall be awaiting for something concrete from the Naysayers. You are just crying about 'Legitimate Question' and 'long term viability' of this project without providing a rational explanation based on numbers.
7. All the people crying about this project are trolls associated with political parties. Is it possible that they accept that people's money is being spent on people and an important need is being met. Metro project does not just cater to people of Lahore. A million people travel to Lahore EVERY day for one reason or another. This project benefits all of those. For a metropolis of ten million people which has a chronic problem with Public transport, it is a crying shame that vested interests (MQM, PTI, PML-Q, PPP) are find ing fault with a project that is sorely needed. Enough Cry baby stuff.
You cannot doubt that corruption took place in this project along with laptops scheme, Ashyana, Sasti Roti and Yellow Cab...and buses could have been sourced locally, metal could have been brought from somewhere other than Ittefaq Mills etc, but you cannot deny that it will benefit the people of lahore in the long run...
I doubt that corruption was part of this project and am awaiting for you to substantiate your allegations. Thanks in advance.