LAHORE: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has stressed the government departments to encourage the private sector to invest in projects of public welfare and development.

He said the management of major public welfare projects should be given to the private sector which will not only promote investment and economic activity but also improve service delivery to people while the government should play the role of facilitator.

He was chairing a high level meeting to review progress on various development projects for the provincial metropolis, including River Ravi Development Project, Azadi Chowk Relocation and Circular Road Flyover and Lady Willigdon Hospital shifting here at Raiwind on Friday.

Commissioner Lahore Rashid Mehmood gave detailed briefing on the River Ravi Development Project having estimated cost worth US 10 billion dollars.

The DG Lahore Development Authority (LDA) briefed about the pace of work on Azadi Chowk Relocation and Circular Road Flyover, worth Rs 5.3 billion.

The Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned not to compromise on quality and standard of these two mega development projects.

He directed to invite national and multinational consortiums, having experience in real estate development, to invest in this mega project.

He said a rail route, modern bus system, expressways and education and health sectors should also be included in the master plan of the River Development Project.

He directed to complete the construction work within the stipulated time and cost.

Special Secretary Health Babar Hayat Tarar briefed the Prime Minister on shifting of Lady Willingdon Hospital and new building construction with an estimated cost of Rs 3 billion.

The Prime Minister constituted a committee to finalise the proposals on project and its management after the completion with an aim to make it more effective for the general public.

Muhammad Nawaz Sharif stressed the need to revive beauty of Badshahi Masjid, Lahore Fort and Iqbal Park/Minto Park to make these sites more attractive for people.

MNA Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, Chairman LTC Khawaja Ahmad Hassan, Prime Minister's Secretary Javed Aslam, Chief Secretary Punjab Naveed Akram Cheema, Special Secretary Health Babar Tarar, Commissioner Lahore Rashid Mehmood, DG LDA Ahad Khan Cheema, Secretary Finance Punjab Jahanzeb Khan, Chairman Planning and Development Department Irfan Elahi, MD NESPAK Amjad Ali Khan and MPAs attended the meeting.

(APP)