The Punjab government swiftly constructed approximately half a mile of carpeted road in a single day within the Muslim Colony, Mianwali City, achieving a remarkable feat.
Dawn News reported that the road was carpeted in preparation for the visit of Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The Chief Minister was scheduled to visit the area to offer condolences to the family of Major Babar Khan, who was martyred during a clash with terrorists in Balochistan.
The expeditious road construction drew attention as it aimed to impress the Chief Minister. Prior high-profile visitors to the martyred officer’s residence, including President Asif Ali Zardari, the Governor of Balochistan, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, had encountered a deteriorated road. The contrast in the government’s response ahead of different dignitaries’ visits has sparked a conversation about allocating resources and priorities.
Senior journalist Qismat Khan highlighted the situation on Twitter, noting the disparity in government action before visits by different dignitaries underscored a potential inconsistency in addressing public infrastructure needs based on political considerations.
Critics point out that while the road was built quickly for a high-profile visit, several vital development projects in Mianwali remain incomplete. These projects, initiated by the previous administration, include a model bus stand, roads within Mianwali city, and the Mianwali-Sargodha two-way road project. Despite their importance, these projects have been languishing due to insufficient funds.
The construction of the new road in Muslim Colony, which reportedly cost over 50 lakh rupees, has raised questions about the government’s priorities and the efficiency of resource allocation. There are calls for an inquiry to assess the state of these incomplete projects and ensure they receive the necessary funding for completion according to legal and regulatory standards.
