Ravi project to correct unplanned urban development: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan held on Friday one-on-one meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar in Lahore in which a string of issues including prevailing political situation was discussed, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Both the leaders also discussed the ongoing development and public welfare projects in the province.

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan said the government would invoke the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court after the High Court nullified the Ravi Urban Development Project.

Speaking to media during his visit to Rakh Jhok forest in Sheikhupura, Imran said this time, the case would be presented in a better manner to apprise the honourable court about the significance of the project in view of urban development and civic facilities.

He said there was a misconception about the Ravi Urban project that it was a housing society. Instead, he said, the grand project aimed at correcting the faults in the wake of unplanned construction of the city.

He highlighted the salient features of the project including plantation of two billion trees as part of forestation, construction of barrages to up water table and filtration of sewerage.

He said the 20 billion dollar project would provide employment and encourage foreign investment, adding that that already Rs1.5 billion had been received in this regard.

Imran said wealth creation would help run 40 affiliated industries. “We need to set up new cities in view of the growing population, otherwise we will not be able to provide civic facilities to people,” he said.

He mentioned that Lahore in near future could face similar civic problems like Karachi as result of unplanned urban development. He regretted that the Sindh government did not allow construction at Bundal Island which was also a mega project in line with planned development of cities.