Former President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Dr. Shahid Rasheed Butt has said that priorities of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz were high and commendable. In a statement issued on Thursday, he said that masses and companies aspire for CM Punjab; therefore, she should devote all of her time to alleviating people's pain, remain in contact with the people and ensure merit. Shahid Rasheed Butt has said that the people have experienced fake change, so now she should strive for a real change. He said that Maryam Nawaz Sharif has become the Chief Minister of Pakistan's most important province, Punjab, whose population was equal to half of the country's population. “She is dedicated to service, and the priorities she has announced are welcome. She has promised that she will prioritise merit and transparency in all circumstances, and there will be no political recruitment in any department,” he added.

The business leader said, “She has also claimed that transparency in financial matters will be ensured and no compromise will be made on it. Nepotism will be discouraged, and national interests will be kept above the party's interests.”“She has admired honest officers, emphasising the importance of integrity in public service. She vowed to uphold merit and prevent any form of nepotism, stating that political appointments would not be tolerated under her administration,” he added.She has also directed the concerned officials to prioritise the prevention of diseases like dengue and polio and to ensure the continuation of public utility projects in the health sector. The chief minister also stressed the importance of promptly addressing public grievances, stating that immediate action should be taken to resolve issues. She emphasised the need for institutional and organisational reforms to address people’s problems. If she does as she said, then no one will be able to stop the process of development, as a result of which agricultural and industrial production will increase, revenue will jump, and unemployment will be reduced.

Shahid Rasheed Butt said that the Chief Minister of Punjab should move the rusted government machinery in a positive direction and remove the corrupt elements from bureaucracy so that the condition of the public and economy can improve. She should consult the masses and the business community on important issues so that the bureaucracy can be kept within its limits and things can move towards improvement, he added. The business leader said that Maryam Nawaz Sharif should start the process of reforms so that government institutions can do their work and their losses are reduced. Honest and competent officers should be respected and rewarded. Shahid Rashid Butt demanded that the culture of bribery should be abolished and merit should be ensured in all matters.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)