LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that government is paying special attention on the development of infrastructure as it plays a key role in the progress of a country. He said billions of rupees were being spent on developmental projects while a network of roads was also being laid in the province for providing better travelling facilities to the masses. He was speaking at the inauguration of Maulana Shaukat Ali Road and Madr-e-Millat Road and a briefing meeting regarding provision of modern recreational facilities at Jallo Park, Park and Ride project, development of picnic spots at Lahore Canal, Central Business District (CBD), tree plantation at Lahore-Ganda Singhwala Road and other schemes here on Sunday. Members National and Provincial Assembly, senior government officers and Director General Frontier Works Organization were also present on the occasion. The CM said that provision of recreational facilities was of paramount importance in the present age of stress and tension, therefore parks and playgrounds were being developed on priority basis. He said that recreational facilities of international standard would be made available at Jallo Park whereas attractive picnic spots would also be developed at Lahore Canal. Speaking at the inauguration of Maulana Shaukat Ali Road and Madr-e-Millat Road, Shahbaz said service of the people and improvement of their living standard was the mission of the government and all-out resources are being utilised in a transparent manner for this purpose. He said that timely completion of all major development projects was being ensured so that people could benefit from them as soon as possible. He said that construction of Shaukat Ali Road and Madr-e-Millat Road would result in better transport facilities to the masses. He said that execution of Saggian and Shalimar Interchange projects have not only provided relief to the people but these projects will also leave a far-reaching impact on the development process of the province. He said that Lahore Ring Road project was also being implemented expeditiously. Addressing various briefing meetings at Jallo Park, Shahbaz Sharif said a comprehensive strategy has been adopted for the provision of modern recreational facilities to the masses under which Jallo Park will be developed on modern lines. Granting approval to the construction of boundary wall of Jallo Park, the chief minister directed that canteens should be set up in the park where Pakistani food and fast food of top quality should be available to the visitors at reasonable rates. Similarly, he said, modern washrooms should also be constructed for the benefit of the people. He said that effective security measures should be taken for the protection of people at recreational spots and services of private security agencies should be acquired for Jallo Park and Changa Manga. Shahbaz said that Jallo Park could be made the best park of the world and for this purpose incentives should be given to local and foreign companies for provision of necessary facilities and this process should be completely outsourced. He said modern picnic spots should be developed at Lahore Canal for the benefit of people and a plan in this regard should be formulated and presented to him within ten days. He said maximum trees should be planted at Shalimar Interchange and landscapes should also be developed for the benefit of people. He also issued instructions for effective measures for the improvement of Shalimar Bagh. Reviewing Park and Ride project at Liberty Market, the chief minister said that this unique project will facilitate the persons visiting Liberty Market for shopping. He said that shuttle service and traffic arrangements should also be completed simultaneously with the completion of this project and the authorities concerned should make every effort in this regard. Secretary Forests, Commissioner Lahore, Director General PHA and architect Ahmad Mukhtar gave a detailed briefing to the Chief Minister regarding the project. Earlier, Chief Minister inspected Shalimar Interchange and appreciated the performance of Frontier Works Organization regarding construction of the interchange. Talking to media after inauguration of Maulana Shaukat Road and Madr-e-Millat Road, the CM said the incident of Gujrat is a result of family feud and instructions have been issued to police for necessary action in this regard. Replying to a question about the statement of Governor Punjab regarding Basant, the CM said that he has neither responded to the statements of Governor in the past nor he will do so today. Shahbaz said he is personally visiting various development projects and has inaugurated Maulana Shaukat Ali Road and Madr-e-Millat Road besides attending different meetings at Jallo Park.