*FIVE MINISTERS GIVEN PORTFOLIOS *
*CM HOISTS NATIONAL FLAG AT ALAMGIRI GATE ON 71ST INDEPENDENCE DAY*
*CM ADDRESSES INDEPENDENCE DAY CEREMONY AT HAZOORI BAGH*
FOOL PROOF SECURITY TO BE BEEFED UP THROUGHOUT THE PROVINCE IN ORDER TO SAFEGUARD LIFE AND PROPERTY OF PUBLIC ON INDEPENDENCE DAY: DR HASSAN ASKARI
DR. HASAN ASKARI CM EXPRESSES GRIEF OVER DEATH OF SARAKI WRITER AND POET PROFESSOR SHAMIM ARIF
CM CONDEMNS DALBANDIN TERRORISTS ATTACK
COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED TO PROBE DEATH OF THREE GIRLS IN CHOLISTAN
PROVINCIAL MINISTER NAUMAN KABIR CALLS ON CM PUNJAB
CM MESSAGE ON FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF DR. RUTH PFAU
SECRETARY SH&ME PRESIDES MEETING OF PUNJAB PHARMACY COUNCIL PPC TO BE RESTRUCTURED TO MEET THE PRESENT NEEDS
PROVINCIAL MINISTER FAISAL MUSHTAQ CALLS ON CM
CM DISCUSSES INDEPENDENCE DAY SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS WITH HOME MINISTER
CM CONDOLES MARTYRDOM OF ARMY JAWANS IN ACCIDENT
PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH FULL FERVOR AND ZEAL
PUNJAB CABINET PAYS TRIBUTES TO DR. ASKARI FOR HOLDING FREE, FAIR ELECTIONS
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Productivity Enhancement
Focused Research
Water Resource Management/Improvement in water productivity
Improved Services delivery and data bases
Development of Alternate/Renewable Farm Energy Sources
Capacity building of the Human resources
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Star farms
-Training and capacity building of the suppliers/processors and logistics regarding IFS
Kitchen Gardening Programme
Marketing reforms
Revamping of Agriculture Marketing System is the main focus of reform of the present regime. The following strategy has been adapted in this regard:
Punjab Seed Act, 2011 for vibrant seed industry
Punjab government has submitted Draft Seed Bill to the provincial cabinet for its consideration with the main aim to transform the existing seed industry into a vibrant seed industry by replacing:
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| Mobile Health Units (MHU) | ||
| State of the art ‘Mobile Health Units’ (MHU) have been launched that are installed with X-ray and laboratory facilities and are equipped with two doctors (male & female), medicines and a small operation theatre. These MHUs visit different remote areas where local patients are treated and serious ailments are referred to hospitals. Six MHUs have been provided in Southern districts of Rajanpur, Bahawalnagar, Ahmadpur, Sharqia, Muzzafargarh, Rahim Yar Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan. These units are monitored by a satellite system. | ||
| Formation of Punjab Health-Care Commission | ||
| Punjab Health-Care Commission Bill was passed by the Punjab Assembly in 2010. The commission will have the authority to decide references against professional negligence and incompetence of doctors. | ||
| Foundation of Medical Colleges | ||
| Four new medical colleges have been established by the Punjab Government in Sahiwal, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Dera Ghazi Khan. | ||
| Hepatitis Control Program | ||
| A Hepatitis Control Program has been started with a budgetary allocation of Rs. 2.8 million. | ||
| Miscellaneous Health Sector Initiatives | ||
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Other initiatives taken up by the health sector include:
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Budget Allocation
The Higher and Primary Education has been allocated Rs.117 billion in the current Punjab budget in different categories, which is a fifth of the total budget and reflects the Chief Minister’s resolve to educate the youth of the province.
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| Daanish Schools | ||
| The Chief Minister inaugurated the Daanish Schools establishing six campuses in Attock, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Chishtian and Hasilpur. These are purpose built campuses aimed at providing quality education to the poorest of children in far-flung and backward areas of the province. For more information, visit the site. | ||
| Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF) | ||
| The Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF) aims to provide equitable opportunities of education to under privileged but bright students especially from the southern districts of the province. This fund is nurturing much needed human capital which will, one day, contribute to the social and economic development of Pakistan. For more information, visit the site. | ||
| Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) | ||
| The establishment of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF). The Punjab Education Foundation has been restructured under the Punjab Education Foundation Act-XII of 2004 for the promotion of education, especially encouraging and supporting the efforts of the private sector in providing education to the poor, through public-private partnershipS. For more information, visit the site. | ||
| Punjab Education Sector Reform Program (PESRP) | ||
| The creation of the Punjab Education Sector Reforms Program (PESRP) deals with all donor funded programs. The primary purpose of these reforms is to increase access to education by allocating more financial resources at the provincial & district level, to support devolution and public sector management reforms and to improve governance, access and the quality of education system in the Punjab. | ||
| Upgradation | ||
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The following upgradation measures have been taken by the provincial government:
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| Centres of Excellence | ||
| Seventy three schools were declared Centres of Excellence across the province owing to their research work and maintenance of high standards of education. | ||
| College Teacher's Package | ||
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The following financial incentives have been given to college teachers:
1167 College Teachers Interns (CTIs) have also been recruited to meet the shortage of college staff on a monthly renumeration of Rs. 10000/-. |
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| IT Labs | ||
| IT Labs in 4,286 government middle schools in Punjab have been established by the provincial government laying the foundation for bringing a revolution in the field of education where hundreds of thousands of students will have access to modern information. For more information, visit the site. | ||
| Online Registration | ||
| The Punjab government has introduced a new system of online registration for students of intermediate and secondary education across Punjab. | ||
| Special Education | ||
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The following measures have been takne by the government with regards to special education:
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Parho Punjab, Barho Punjab |
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Parho Punjab, Barho Punjab is a School Reforms Roadmap Programme with the aim of enroling every male and female child till 2018 in Punjab. This programme is being implemented successfully in Punjab with the objectives to provide all the required educational facilities besides the provision of text books and related accessories free of cost. So far, 140,000 teachers have been appointed on merit basis while 200,000 teachers have been trained for their capacity building. The four main objectives of this programme are: Objective 1: Ensure high quality teaching and learning in every classroom
Objective 2: Improve leadership and accountability at all levels
Objective 3: Support with high quality school infrastructure
Objective 4: Enable a conducive learning environment for students
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The following measures have been taken by the provincial government regarding law and order:
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Establishment of Punjab Power Development Board and Punjab Power Development Company
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Miscellaneous Initiatives
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Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power Park (QASP) Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power Park is the world's largest solar park, located in Cholistan, Punjab. It has around 400,000 solar panels with a capacity to produce 1,000 MW electricity, enough to power 320,000 households. |
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| Construction of the Lahore Ring Road | ||
| The Lahore Ring Road (Northern Loop) work upto package-17 (Sui Gas Housing society) will be completed by 31-10-2011. | ||
| Establishment of Renewable Development Program | ||
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| Launch of Ashiana Housing Scheme | ||
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| Construction of Model Villages | ||
| The Model Villages are being constructed for the rehabilitation of flood affected refugees. For more information, visit the site. | ||
| Launch of Jinnah Abadis Scheme | ||
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Lahore Bus Rapid Transit Lahore Metro Bus is a bus rapid transit project of government of Punjab consisting of a 27-kilometers long route and 29 bus stations between Gajumata and Shahadra. The route covers dozens of commercial and residential localities along the main artery of city including Ferozepur road linking Jain Mander, Lytton road, MAO College, Civil Secretariat, Lower Mall, Shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Baksh, Aiwan-e-Adal, Chowk Katchehry, Shahdra town and Ravi Road. The bus system uses e-ticketing and Intelligent Transportation System wand. |
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Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, son of (late) Mr. Muhammad Sharif(1919–2004), graduated from Government College, Lahore with distinction. He belongs to a family of distinguished business community, started his professional life as a businessman and became the President, Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry in 1985. Later, he joined active politics and served as Member, Punjab Assembly during 1988-90; and as Member, National Assembly during 1990-93. He was elected as Member, Punjab Assembly again in 1993 and served as Leader of the Opposition during 1993-96. He became Member of Punjab Assembly for the third term in 1997; was elected as Chief Minister and functioned as such till 1999 when, as a result of military coup, his government, along with the Federal Government, was toppled. He was imprisoned and then exiled. He has played a leading role in the restoration of democracy in the country. Having been elected unopposed as Member, Punjab Assembly for the fourth term, he is presently functioning for the second time as Chief Minister, Punjab. He is a dynamic political leader known for his strong and efficient administration. Better health facilities, educational reforms and economic uplift are his top priorities. He has made extensive travels abroad. His brother and incumbent Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif served as Provincial Minister in Punjab cabinet during 1983-84; as Chief Minister, Punjab twice during 1985-88 & 1988-90; and as Prime Minister of Pakistan during 1990-93, 1997-99, and 2013-Incumbent. His son, Mr Hamza Shehbaz Sharif is a sitting MNA.
| Position Held: | Leader of the House, Punjab Assembly |
| Party Affiliation: | Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) |
| Father's Name: | Mr. Muhammad Sharif |
| Place of Birth: | Lahore |
| Permanent Contact: | 180-181-H, Model Town, Lahore Phone: 042-9203261-3 |
| Religion: | Islam |
*LAHORE, September 06:* Five provincial ministers have been given portfolios. According to a S&GAD notification, Hafiz Ammar Yasir has been given Mines and Mineral Department, Raja Rashid Hafeez is allotted Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education Department and Sardar Husnain Bahadur Dreshak is given Livestock and Dairy Development Department. Similarly, Ch. Zahir-ud-Din and Muhammad Hashim Dogar have been given Public Prosecution and Population Welfare Departments, respectively. ** * **
*LAHORE, August 14:* Caretaker chief minister punjab Dr. Hasan Askari hosted the national flag at historic Alamgiri Gate of Lahore Fort on the occasion of 71st independence day of Pakistan here on Tuesday. On the occasion, national anthem was sung and special prayers were offered for the country. Dr. Askari also visited the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He laid the floral wreath and prayed for salvation and solidarity of the country. He also wrote his comments in the visitor’s book kept at the Mazar-e-Iqbal. He penned down his comments as under; “I congratulate the nation on this independence day and express my good wishes. The poetry of Allama Iqbal influenced the Muslims of subcontinent and it resulted in the creation of Pakistan.” In his address, the chief minister paid tributes to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal and other heroes of Pakistan movement. He sung national songs along with the students, scouts and differently abled children. The chief minister was also presented salute by a smartly turned-out contingent of scouts at Hazoori Bagh.
*LAHORE, August 14:* Caretaker chief minister punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has said that following the teachings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal is need of the hour. The founders of the country realized the dream of a separate homeland with their historic struggle and we cannot forget their great sacrifices in this regard. We are enjoying our lives in an independent country because of their sacrifices, he added. He expressed these views while addressing the ceremony held at Hazoori Bagh in connection with the independence day on Tuesday. Provincial ministers, Lord Mayor Lahore, chief secretary, IG police, consul generals of China, Turkey and Iran, administrative secretaries, leading personalities and students attended the ceremony. Dr. Askari congratulated the nation on independence day and said that he has been very happy to attend this beautiful ceremony. He also congratulated the children for beautifully singing national songs. The future of this country is attached with the youth and the more youth is empowered the more Pakistan will progress steadily. He said that 21st century is an era of knowledge and technology and different human societies are progressing through a well-developed system of education. Every sort of resources has to be utilized to educate the youth, he said. He said that education will have to be prioritized if Pakistan intends to achieve a position of glory in the comity of nations. He said that Pakistan came into being after a great struggle. Allama Iqbal presented the concept of Pakistan in a clear manner in December 1930. He also wrote letters to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1936 and 1937 and presented the idea of a separate homeland for Muslims. Allama Iqbal wanted the democratic system to be based on golden principles of islam, he maintained. Quaid-e-Azam also talked about that kind of democracy where everyone has equal rights. I am of the view that we should follow the teachings of Quaid and Iqbal, he added. Today is an occasion to pay tributes to those who had sacrificed their lives in struggle for Pakistan. We should not forget the sacrifices of our heroes but have to remember them because we are living in an independent country due to their sacrifices. He said that Pakistan was made so that social justice and equality should prevail in the country. We have to ponder over that our forefathers struggled for a separate homeland where everyone has equal rights including social justice and equality, he added. We can design the future course of action easily for moving further if we could actually understand the objectives of creation of Pakistan. Today, we should cogitate that what we have done for the country and what we have to pay back to Pakistan. He said that first step of the struggle was completed in 1947 while the struggle for a strong and prosperous Pakistan will be continued. It is binding on us that we should make such a Pakistan where work is done for public welfare. We all have to work for facilitating the people and this was the message of Quaid and Iqbal, he said. The religion of Islam has introduced the golden principles of social justice and equality and Quaid and Iqbal had also stressed for the implementation of these concepts. Therefore, strengthening the social norms like social justice and equality is the collective responsibility, he maintained. The golden principles of Islam will be implemented in the real sense when social justice and equality will be created. We have to collectively work to succeed the struggle for national development and the dream of a prosperous and strong Pakistan will be materialized when we will brighten the future of the country with our hard work, concluded the chief minister. Earlier, Lord Mayor Mubashir Javed presented the address of welcome. ####
*LAHORE, August 12:* Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari said that on the occasion of Independence Day fool proof security arrangements must be made to ensure the security of life and property of the public and special attention must be given to the security of Independence Day celebrations. He further said that in present circumstances every necessary step must be taken to ensure peace and no stone should be left unturned in implementing the deviated security plan. He said that along with the public places, special attention should be given to the security of sensitive places. He ordered that all the processions must be monitored through CCTV cameras and that the police authorities must be physically present in the field to monitor the security arrangements. He directed that special arrangements be made for ensuring the smooth flow of traffic at Murree and other historic and recreational places. All possible steps should be taken for the protection of life and property of the masses and all the resources be utilized in this regard he added. Caretaker Chief Minister directed to adopt all available resources in order to ensure safety for life and property of public on Independence Day. Likewise, he ordered to derive a comprehensive traffic plan for smooth flow of traffic in all cities. Senior police officers of security and traffic are directed to monitor all arrangements by themselves. He said the freedom is a great blessing and brave nations cherish their Independence Day with full zeal and zest. That is why, we are intended to celebrate Independence Day and create an environment of festivity in order to pay tribute the heroes of Pakistan movement is engraved with the sacrifices of our forefathers. Along with celebrations of Independence Day, we are intended to decorate the buildings in unique way, he added. Caretaker Chief Minister further shared that one wheeling and aired firing is not allowed and strict action will be taken against violators. Dr. Hasan Askari directed police and administration to book into account those who will be involved in one wheeling and aired firing. ####
*LAHORE, August 12:* Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the sad demise of Saraiki writer, critic and poet Professor Shamim Arif. In his condolence message, he extended his heartiest sympathies to the bereaved family. He also prayed eternal piece for departed soul and patience for lamenting family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude. ####
*LAHORE August 11:* Interim Chief Minister Punjab Dr Hasan Askari has strongly condemned the terrorists attack in Dalbandin. He prayed for the early recovery of the injured persons. He said the terrorists are carrying out such cowardice acts to spread uncertainty in the country. He said the whole nation is united against the war on terrorism and evil designs of terrorists will be foiled. ####
LAHORE, August 09: On the directions of caretaker chief minister punjab Dr. Hasan Askari, a four member committee has been constituted to probe the incident of death of three girls in Cholistan. Caretaker law minister Zia Haider Rizvi will head this committee while additional chief secretary (home), RPO Multan and commissioner Bahawalpur division will be the members of the committee. The committee members will visit Bahawalnagar to probe the matter from all aspects. The committee will investigate the matter to dig out the real facts of the murder of the girls. This committee will submit its report to the chief minister punjab within seven days. Law minister Zia Haider Rizvi and additional chief secretary (home) will soon visit the place of the incident and the committee will also provide its report to the senate committee after completion of its investigation. Meanwhile, Zia Haider Rizvi has directed RPO Multan and commissioner Bahawalpur to collect evidences after visiting the place of the incident. The incident of the death of the girls is very tragic and committee will provide its facts after proper investigations. Legal action will be initiated if occurrence of any crime is proved and all our sympathies are with the bereaved families, he concluded. ####
LAHORE, August 09: Caretaker chief minister punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has said that laborers play a pivotal role in giving sound foundations to the national economy and added that trained human resource is the backbone of trade and industrial sectors. That is why, the target of durable socio-economic development cannot be achieved without giving due status to the working class. He stated this while talking to provincial minister for labor & human resource and transport Nauman Kabir at his office on Thursday. During the meeting, different issues pertaining to the performance of public sector departments and official matters came under discussion. Talking on the occasion, the chief minister said that constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan guarantees protection of rights of laborers and added that punjab government is giving full attention to improve the lot of the working class. It is the responsibility of the government to give laborers and disfranchised segments their due status in the society. That is why, provision of quality educational and healthcare facilities to the laborers and industrial workers has remained the part of governmental priorities. There is no doubt that exploiters of rights of laborers and industrial workers can never socially excel, he maintained. He said that trained human resource plays an important role in giving sound foundations to the economy. Keeping this thing in view, there is a need to give special attention to train and educate the human resource according to global market needs so that Pakistani workforce could be maximum accommodated in local and international markets. He said that continuous implementation of skills development program is imperative for providing qualitative trainings to the human resource. Similarly, protection of rights of laborers and industrial workers should be ensured and steps should also be taken to stop the exploitation of rights of the brick-kiln workers. Dr. Askari said that child labor is a cruel menace and the government has to eliminate it with solid steps. He said that livestock sector has tremendous potentials to benefit the country and its sustained development would tremendously benefit the economy. He said the livestock sector can be flourished to bring it at par with the developed countries by properly utilizing the modern technology and expertise and added that steps are needed to be taken to increase the production of milk and meat. It is the need of the hour to take full benefit of the opportunities available in agriculture, livestock and other sectors and improving the standard of training is also imperative for increasing the production in these sectors, concluded the chief minister. Provincial minister Nauman Kabir apprised the chief minister about the performance of labor and human resource, livestock and transport departments. ** * **
LAHORE, August 09: Caretaker chief minister punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has said that credit of eliminating leprosy from the country goes to untiring efforts and passionate commitment of Dr. Ruth Pfau. She was a worth following example in Pakistan and rest of the world. In his message issued here on Thursday on the first death anniversary of Dr. Ruth Pfau, the chief minister paid rich tributes to her wonderful services for the elimination of leprosy and TB from Pakistan and said that she had given respect and honor to the human beings by serving the ailing humanity without caring for differences of caste, color or creed. The Pakistani nation appreciates the commitment and selfless passion of Dr. Ruth Pfau towards serving the patients, he said. The way she has served the leprosy patients is unique and a golden chapter in the history of public service. There is no doubt that Late Dr. Ruth Pfau was a ray of hope for the leprosy patients and she has made the whole humanity proud by devotedly loving and caring for the ailing humanity. It is sanguine to note that she preferred to stay in Pakistan for serving the destitute patients and her unprecedented services and role for eradicating leprosy and TB will always be remembered with respect and reverence, concluded the chief minister. ** * **
LAHORE, August 09: Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Punjab, Saqib Zafar has directed the concerned officers to prepare recommendations for the restructuring of Punjab Pharmacy Council (PPC) on modern lines to meet the present day challenges and to fulfill the requirements of present era. He said that revolutionary steps would be taken in this regard. He further directed that instead of bi-annually meetings of the session, quarterly meetings of the council should be organized for better management. The Secretary Health, Saqib Zafar was presiding over the 98th meeting of PPC in his office here today. Besides, Vice President PPC Dr. Shoaib Hakeem, Dr. Saeed-ul-Hassan, Dr. Mubashar Ahmed Butt, Dr. Moazzam Ali Khan, Dr. Zaka Ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary (Technical) Specialized Healthcare Department Dr. Salman Shahid and others attended the meeting. Secretary Health directed to prepare recommendations to introduce reforms in the council. It was proposed that renewal of registration of Drug Inspectors should be made conditional with their performance to improve their working. In this connection, Secretary Health Saqib Zafar directed that both the Health Departments (SH&ME and PSH) should review the proposal in detail and present a working paper for materializing the proposal. The Members of Pharmacy Council pointed out that suitable building is required to station the offices of PPC as the present place is insufficient to accommodate the offices. ####
LAHORE, August 08: Provincial minister for human rights, minorities affairs and social welfare Faisal Mushtaq met with the caretaker chief minister punjab Dr. Hasan Askari at his office on Wednesday. Talking on the occasion, Dr. Askari said that implementation of human rights is the symbol of civilized societies as failure in the enforcement of human rights results in the disintegration of human societies. He pointed out that all the citizens enjoy equal rights in the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan adding that state is responsible for protecting the fundamental rights of all the human beings. The chief minister said that Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) has given the message of human rights for all the mankind. The religion of Islam is the torchbearer of human rights and teaches peaceful coexistence and equality to the people. He said that constitution of Pakistan has also guaranteed equal rights and complete protection to all the minorities. Meanwhile, Islam has emphasized on the protection of rights of the minorities. Tolerance, mutual respect and complete protection of human rights are symbols of an Islamic society. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah has also stressed for equal rights for the minorities, he said. He expressed the satisfaction that minority communities are playing an important role in the progress and prosperity of the country and reiterated that government is fully committed for the protection of fundamental rights, life and property and honor and dignity of the minorities. The services rendered by the minority communities for the development and prosperity of the country and its love and affection towards Pakistan are beyond any doubt. The need of inter-faith harmony has been further enhanced in the present day circumstances and we all should collectively work for national development and prosperity of the country, concluded the chief minister. ** * **
LAHORE, August 08: Provincial Home Minister Shaukat Javed called on caretaker chief minister punjab Dr. Hasan Askari at his office on Wednesday and discussed overall law and situation and steps taken for the protection of life and property of the people. Security arrangements for independence day celebrations and smooth flow of traffic on August 14 also came under discussion. Dr. Askari directed to make foolproof security arrangements on independence day and added that special arrangements should be made for functions planned for August 14. Police officials should remain in the field for reviewing security arrangements and security of sensitive areas should be given special attention, he added. He directed that independence day meetings should be monitored through CCTV cameras and made it clear that nothing is important than the protection of life and property of the people. Therefore, foolproof security of independence day functions should be ensured at every cost. All possible steps should be made for the protection of life and property of the mases, he added. No stone should be left unturned for security arrangements of events planned for August 14. Police, law enforcement agencies and administration should remain fully vigilant and implementation on comprehensive security plan should be ensured, he added. The chief minister directed that special teams should be constituted for stopping one-wheeling. Similarly, effective action should be continued against criminals and anti-social elements across the province and every possible effort should be made to curb the violators of law. He said that additional police staff should be deputed at sensitive areas and public places included markets and added that entry and exits points of the cities should be strictly monitored. Similarly, special arrangements should be made for ensuring smooth flow of traffic at Murree and other historic and recreational places. A special traffic management plan should be devised so that the flow of traffic may not hamper at any place. Best traffic management measures should be taken for Lahore, Murree and other mega cities to facilities the people on the occasion of independence day, he added. Steps should be given final shape after comprehensive planning to keep the smooth flow of traffic on August 14 in Murree. Steps should also be made for alternate routes and additional parking arrangements so that people may not face any difficulty, concluded the chief minister. Shaukat Javed apprised the chief minister about law and order situation and security arrangements planned for the independence day. *****
LAHORE, August 08: Caretaker chief minister punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of four army jawans due to an accident in Baseema, Balochistan. In his condolence message, the chief minister has extended sympathies to the families of martyred Subedar Muhammad Akbar, Naik Sajjad Ahmad, Tariq Ahmad and Lance Naik Muhammad Arif. He has also prayed for early recovery of the injured. ** * **
LAHORE, August 07: The last meeting of the caretaker provincial cabinet which held under the chair of chief minister punjab Dr. Hasan Askari at chief minister’s office on Tuesday lasted for three hours. The meeting decided to celebrate the independence day with full fervor and zeal on August 14 this year. The main function of the independence day will be held at Hazoori Bagh in Lahore while celebrations would also be held at the level of division, district and tehsil in the province. Public sector departments will hold different celebrations with regard to independence day, the meeting decided. It was also decided to provide foolproof security arrangements for the protection of life and property of the people on the occasion of upcoming independence day. The meeting directed to initiate stern legal action against the one-wheelers on independence day. The chief minister said that permission can never be granted to take law into one’s own hands in the name of independence day and made it clear that legal action will be initiated against the violators of law. The cabinet meeting decided to provide grant for payment of pending bills of United Christian Hospital Gulberg and the chief minister said that steps will be taken personally to help solve the issue of UCH. The meeting accorded approval to provide financial grant for the treatment of a 15 year old blood cancer patient. Punjab government will give Rs. 10 lakh while caretaker ministers Sardar Tanvir Ilyas and Anjum Nisar will also donate Rs. 10 lakh each from their own pockets. Annual report for the year 2017 of the office of provincial ombudsman was also presented in the meeting. The cabinet gave approval to constitute search committee for constituting the selection panel for appointment of vice chancellor of University of Home Economics Lahore. The meeting extended vote of thanks to caretaker chief minister Dr. Hasan Askari, provincial cabinet members, administration, police and line departments for making best arrangements for free, fair and transparent elections in the province. Chief minister also appreciated the performance of provincial ministers, chief secretary, IG police, district administration, army men, rangers and other agencies for befittingly fulfilling the duty of holding transparent elections. He said that provision of peaceful atmosphere to the voters on polling day is a national service as it has helped them to use their right to vote in an independent manner. With the grace of Almighty Allah and the efforts made by different departments, the polling day remained peaceful and tranquil. Police and administration have performed their election related duties in a professional manner. I am thankful to the provincial ministers, chief secretary, IG police and officials of the relevant departments for their proactive cooperation. All the matters pertaining to the government were settled amicably due to the hard work of all of you and this shows that positive results are achieved when government officials work professionally and honestly, he added. My experience of working with you has remained good and the whole team has fulfilled a national obligation with commitment and hard work. The members of the provincial cabinet also paid tributes to the leadership vision and administrative abilities of Dr. Askari and added that election has been held in a best manner and it would be remembered in history till lately. Provincial ministers, chief secretary, chairman P&D, IG police and concerned high officials attended the meeting. ####
LAHORE, Aug. 07: The last meeting of the provincial cabinet lasted for three hours at chief minister’s office with chief minister punjab Dr. Hasan Askari in the chair. The meeting started with the recitation of the Holy Quran. The chief minister gave his considered opinion after hearing the opinion of concerned ministers and departmental briefings. After a detailed discussion on some agenda points, it was unanimously decided that next government would decide about it because the mandate of the caretaker government is limited and it has ensured holding of peaceful and transparent elections while remaining within its given mandate. The cabinet members also paid tributes to Dr. Askari for ensuring free, fair and impartial elections. ####


Social Welfare & Women Development
Miscellaneous Initiatives
Other initiatives taken up by the government include: