Friday, May 16, 2008, Jamadi-ul-Awwal 9, 1429    

MLAC directed to expedite plans in cantonment areas

Islamabad—Minister for Defence Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar on Thursday directed the Directorate of Military Land and Cantonment Board (MLAC) to expedite plans for enhancement of facilities for the residents of Cantonments including water filtration plants, up-gradation and maintenance of health and educational institutions and public parks.
The Minister gave direction while being briefed on the role and functions of MLAC at the Ministry of Defence. Director General MLAC Major General Wajahat Ali Mufti gave comprehensive presentation to the Minister on the role, functions and the future development projects to be undertaken by ML&C.
He informed that plans were afoot to computerize the record of lands and building - falling in the jurisdiction of Cantonment Boards - with the help of satellite imagery and geographical survey.
He said that these measures would help in streamlining the records of lands as well as buildings.
The Minister appreciated the steps and said that these would surely put an end to the malpractices in the land and building records.
The Director General also apprised the Minister about certain financial problems being confronted by his department and suggested measures to overcome them.
The Minister said that Government would consider the proposals and would try to improve the financial health of the organization. He said it was essential to further upgrade and strengthen the health and educational institutions in the cantonment areas and also to set up water filtration plants, besides developing public parks and other recreational facilities for the residents of the cantonments.—APP