The top bureaucrats of Punjab were not allowed to enter the venue where Prime Minister Imran Khan was present to inaugurate Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project in Lahore on Friday. 

According to the details, Punjab Finance Secretary Abdullah Sumbal, Local Government Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi, Irrigation Secretary Capt (r) Saif Anjum and Housing Secretary Nadeem Mehboob reached the LDA ground near River Ravi on Friday to attend the inaugural ceremony of Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project where PM Imran Khan was the chief guest. 

They were surprised when they were not allowed to enter the venue over unknown reasons. The bureaucrats came back immediately. 

Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Imran Khan said two years were spent saving the country from default. "And then the NRO crowd gathered around everywhere, demanding an NRO (concession) in exchange for FATF legislation or progress on the Kashmir issue."

PM Imran recalled the former glory days of the provincial capital, where trees would dot the city's landscape and the water was sweet to drink.

PM Khan asks bureaucracy to deliver 

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday while expressing anger over the situation in Punjab said that asked the civil servants to work on merit and serve the masses.

Addressing the civil officers of Punjab including secretaries, commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, regional police officers via video link on Friday, he said that assured the bureaucracy that there will be no political pressure on them. Any officer found involved in corruption would be sacked, he said.

PM Imran Khan while directing to end police and patwar culture said that huge allowanced have been given to police officers and bureaucrats, salaries have also been increased, adding that they should give results now.

Emphasising the need for improving the performance of departments, the prime minister said improvement in governance is imperative for the development of the country.

Highlighting the significance of construction sector for economic development and job creation, Imran Khan expressed the confidence that the civil officers will play a pivotal role in promotion of this important sector.

Imran Khan said rule of law, protecting the weak segments of the society and promotion of education were hallmarks of State of Madina.

He commended the concrete steps taken by the Punjab administration during Covid-19.