MURREE, April 4: The Punjab Chief Minister, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, on Friday announced a Rs200 million development package for Murree, besides Rs5 million for rehabilitation of the affected people of the recent heavy rains and snowfall in the hilly tourist resort.

He aslo performed the ground-breaking ceremony a mega project of tourist resort.

Earlier speaking at a public meeting at Kanna park after inaugurating a Girls Degree College at Phawari, the chief minister said that the government was giving top priority to education and for this purpose Rs3 billion would be spent on education annually.

The chief minister also said that a technical college would also be established in Murree.

The Chief Minister also announced to grant ownership rights to the dwellers of kutchi abadis established before 1985.

He further said that the chairman, planning and development, Punjab, had been directed to prepare a water supply scheme. He assured the people that gas would be supplied to Murree with the cooperation of the private sector. For this purpose the CM said that he would talk to the federal government for providing funds.

He further said the Punjab government had already announced free education up to metric level and implementation work on it would start soon.

He also sought proposal from the civic bodies for provision of water to Murree from Kohala.

The chief minister also promised to work on the project of the playground in Bhurban.

He had to arrive at 10am and to inaugurate the project of Degree college for girls at Phagwari. But he reached at the inauguration ceremony at 1pm.

There were banners and boarding of welcome and slogans. Children of different Schools at different places welcomed the CM and changed the slogans.

The district officer building told this scribe that in the first phase the inter college would be constructed and in the second phase keeping in view the funds, degree college would be completed. The official gave the briefing to the CM and said that total area of the college is 7424sq feet with the single suit residence.

The total cost of the project would be Rs68.4 million. There would be six classrooms, three lavatories, two laboratories and initially 200 students would be accommodated.

He urged the CM to approve the funds for the Numb Khabadar Road which is also important road and can be used for the defence purpose which can also be used for joining the Punjab to Azad Kashmir.

APP adds: The chief minister said the government was actively encouraging private sector as there were plenty of opportunities for them to invest in the country.

He was speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony of Cecil Tourist Resort.

The CM said such projects should be launched throughout the country, as without the active participation of private sector, our country cannot progress.

He assured the investors that the government would solve their problems and they would be provided a business-friendly atmosphere.

He said unemployment is the main problem of the country and this can be controlled only through industrial promotion.

Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to Prime Minister on Investment and Privatization, Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh said the government was committed and adopting measures to encourage investors in the country.

Pakistan is rich with natural resources, he said, adding the need is to encourage investment for which a conference is being organized in Islamabad to attract foreign investors.

Punjab law minister Raja Basharat said the projects like Cecil Tourist Resort would not only generate employment but also help promote tourism.

The investment in different sectors shows that the people have confidence in policies of present government, he added.

Hunaid Lahkani, on behalf of the group investing in the project said the hotel costing about Rs600 million would have a capacity of 100 rooms and suites for both family and business requirements.

The project, to be completed in two years would also include silver apartments and shopping galleria.

The facilities in the hotel, he said would include business centre, fitness club, tour facility and much more.

Later, at a meeting with lawyers the chief minister listened to their problems and announced a grant of Rs100,000 for their welfare.