HEALTH MINISTER CALLS ON CM PUNJAB
CM MESSAGE ON 46TH FOUNDATION DAY OF SENATE OF PAKISTAN
INTERIM GOVERNMENT HAS DISPLAYED ITS IMPARTIALITY THROUGH PRACTICAL STEPS.
DR. HASSAN ASKARI HAS EXPRESSED GRIEF OVER THE LOSS OF PRECIOUS LIVES IN KOHAT TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
Director General Public Relations Punjab and Press information Department Regional Office Lahore, during the recent general elections 2018, have ensured the provision of all the facilities including monitoring to international journalists, analysts and media representatives from all over the province. The best working relationship was exhibited from both the departments in this regard.
INTERIM CM ADDRESSES CEREMONY OF POLICE MARTYRS DAY AT AL-HAMRA SAYS IGNORING SACRIFICES OF MARTYRS OF ARMY, POLICE IS LIKE IGNORING OUR EXISTENCE; NATION WILL NEVER FORGET POLICE MARTYRS; STRESSES NEED FOR PEOPLE FRIENDLY POLICING
CHILDREN OF POLICE MARTYRS DELIVER EMOTIONAL SPEECHES
INTERIM CM GRIEVED AT DEATH OF PAKISTAN MOVEMENT ACTIVIST
ZIA HAIDER RIZVI APPRISES CM ABOUT PERFORMANCE OF LAW AND FINANCE DEPARTMENTS
UNIFIED MEDIA CLUB DELEGATION CALLS ON CM PUNJAB
INFORMATION MINISTER APPRISES CHIEF MINISTER ABOUT DEPT.’S PERFORMANCE
CARETAKER CM LAUDS PERFORMANCE OF ADMINISTRATION AND POLICE DURING ELECTIONS
PRESIDENT LPC CALLS ON DR. ASKARI
INTERIM GOVT IS IMPARTIAL SINCE IT TOOK CHARGE: DR HASAN
CS WANTS FACILITIES FOR PATIENTS AT PIMH PLAN ORDERED TO REHABILITATE UCH
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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, August 06: Caretaker provincial health minister Dr. Jawad Sajid Khan called on chief minister punjab Dr. Hasan Askari at his office here today. During the meeting, different matters including pace of work on ongoing healthcare projects and further improvement of health facilities came under discussion. Steps relating to eradication of diseases like dengue, polio and cango virus were also discussed in the meeting. Dr. Askari directed to ensure implementation on the plan devised for overcoming dengue, polio and cango virus and added that line departments should proactively perform their duties in this regard. Full attention should be paid to the eradication of dengue, polio and cango virus adding that all necessary resources should be utilized for that purpose. The anti-polio campaign should be made successful to make Pakistan a polio-free country in toto. The success of anti-polio campaign is a guarantee to healthy future of the children, he said. No stone should left unturned to make Pakistan a polio-free country in the region and it is sanguine that punjab government is working day and night for the eradication of polio. The children can be saved from this deadly disease through timely vaccination, he added. The continuous use of measures aimed at eradication of polio is the collective responsibility of the society and public platforms like masajid, religious seminaries, schools and line departments will have to jointly work to make anti-polio campaign a success. The health department and other relating agencies will have to vigorously perform their duties for the eradication of fatal disease like polio, he added. He also appealed to the parents to become part of governmental efforts aiming at eliminating polio from the country. The chief minister directed that necessary safety measures should be adopted in wake of upcoming religious festival of Eid-al-Adha for protection from cango virus and line departments should ensure implementation of devised plan in this regard. Every possible step should be taken for keeping the people safe from cango virus and immediate precautionary measures should be taken where there is any threat of spread of this virus, he said. Special screening of cattle markets should be done and anti-germs spray should also be conducted there. Similarly, implementation on precautionary measures devised by the WHO should be ensured at every cost, he said. He said that health and livestock departments should take every possible step aiming at adoption of necessary precautionary measures to remain safe from this virus. He said that dengue surveillance should be expedited and line departments should perform their duties with full vigilance. No leniency will be tolerated with regard to implementation on devised plan for eradication of dengue disease, he said. He said that provision of best healthcare facilities in hospitals is the basic right of the people because a healthy society can be formed only through the provision of such necessary facilities to the masses. The caretaker government has taken steps on priority basis for early completion of ongoing healthcare schemes because it is the fundamental duty of the state to provide quality healthcare facilities to its people. The concerned officials should, therefore, proactively perform their duties so that general public could be provided quality healthcare facilities at their doorstep, he added. Dr. Askari said that Rs.15.44 crore has been released by the caretaker government for free treatment of deserving patients and added that best healthcare facilities are being provided to the people because it is responsibility of every government to provide resources for best healthcare facilities to the masses. The resources should be further enhanced for provision of healthcare facilities to the people, he maintained. Provision of funds for free treatment of patients is no obligation but a duty of the government because serving the ailing humanity is a worship. The process of free treatment of deserving patients should be continued in future as well, concluded the chief minister. Earlier, Jawad Sajid apprised the chief minister about performance of the health department. ** * **
LAHORE, August 06: Caretaker chief minister punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has said that Senate of Pakistan is working for the protection of rights of the federating units for the last 46 years. In his message issued here today on the eve of 46th foundation day of Senate of Pakistan, Dr. Askari said that basic purpose of the establishment of the upper house of the parliament is to give representation to all the federating units at one place. The upper house of the parliament is very important with regard to legislation, strengthening of democracy and protection of rights of the people and the purpose of celebrating this day is to educate the people about supremacy of the senate and its role in the democracy. Senate is a symbol of representation of federating units and supremacy of democracy and senate’s role in the strengthening of democracy is pivotal, he added. This institution has always played an important role for the continuity of democratic process and supremacy of the constitution in the country. Senate also strengthens the state institutions so that they could better serve the masses, concluded the chief minister. ** * **
LAHORE, August 05: Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hassan Askari said that Interim Government has vigilantly fulfilled its national responsibility by taking steps to conduct Free and Fair elections as well as ensured law and order by providing safety to the life and property of public. He further shared that all departments have played their proactive part to make it possible. It was teamwork and all concerned departments have fulfilled their obligations. Dr. Hassan Askari said that timely organization of peaceful, transparent and independent elections was a huge challenge for Interim government and we got victory in it as entire team of interim government has fulfilled its responsibility with passion and determination.He said that interim government was given the responsibility to conduct free, transparent and independent Elections which was fulfilled honestly and we have organized fair elections as per our promise. With the cooperation of Public, caretaker government of Punjab has successfully completed the phase of organizing fair election, he added. Dr. Hassan Askari said that all parties have been provided with Level Planning Field in order to ensure transparent and free elections. He said that Pakistani People have independently used their right to vote and discipline of people during polling was exemplary. He said that hard-work of caretaker government has yielded the fruit of continuity in democratic process for public. ******
LAHORE, August 05: Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hassan Askari has expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the fatal traffic accident at KohatIndus Highway near Lachi which has costed precious human lives. He profoundly commiserated with the bereaved families of deceased. While praying for the quick recovery of those who injured in the accident, Dr. Hassan Askari said that our sympathies are with the lamenting families who lost their loved ones and we are standing closely with them in this hour of anguish.
LAHORE, August 05: Director General Public Relations Punjab and Press information Department Regional Office Lahore, during the recent general elections 2018, have ensured the provision of all the facilities including monitoring to international journalists, analysts and media representatives from all over the province. The best working relationship was exhibited from both the departments in this regard. This was stated by Director General PID Lahore Sohail Ali Khan, while talking to the DGPR Punjab Nabeela Ghazanfer during his visit to Directorate General Public Relations head office, here today. Deputy Director PID Maria Rasheed, Director Electronic Media Abid Noor Bhatti and Director News Arif Chaudhary, head of different sections and officers were also present on this occasion. Director General PID informed the officers of the DGPR about the reforms introduced in PID regarding distribution of government advertisement and promotion of welfare measures of government by utilizing print and electronic media as well as modern means of communications. He said that both the institutions can benefited from each other experience in order to transparent distribution of advertisement at equal basis besides setting the advertisement section on modern lines. Director General Public Relations Nabeela Ghazenfer gave the detailed briefing to DG PID regarding diffident sections of DGPR and services provided to the journalists community. DG PID Sohail Ali Khan lauded the measures and reforms taken by Directorate General Public Relations, Punjab. ******
LAHORE, August 04: Interim Chief Minister Punjab Dr Hasan Askari has said that the police should maintain friendly ties with the people as per requirements of justice. The nation cannot ignore sacrifices of police martyrs who sacrificed their lives for peaceful and secure life of the public. Addressing a ceremony held at Al-hamra in connection with Police Martyrs Day, Interim CM Dr Hasan Askari said the martyrs who sacrificed their lives while performing their official duties are our heroes and there are great objectives behind great sacrifices like martyrdom. Sacrifices and martyrdom are basic ingredients of our historic and national identity. Interim CM Dr Hasan Askari said such emotions are created when there are great objectives in brains and hearts. Discharge of duties with responsibility and defence of principles requires sacrifices. The great status of martyrdom is achieved when the respect and dignity of the department and collective welfare of society is kept supreme. The police officers and men sacrificed their lives while keeping in mind these objectives. This is the war of right and evil and this conflict is still continuing. The sacrifices of those who sacrificed their lives in the war of right and evil are remembered forever. The great examples of sacrifices in the war of right and evil are present in large numbers in the Islamic history. Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) and companions gave great sacrifices for the right in Karbala. Their sacrifices still provide us guidance. He said the conflict of right and evil is still continuing but its dimensions have changed. History of Pakistan is also filled with sacrifices and there are great examples of sacrifices from the war of independence till today. The nation has given unparalleled sacrifices in the war against terrorism. Incidents of terrorism have been reduced considerably due to sacrifices of Pakistan Army and security institutions, but still this war is continuing. The army, Rangers, police have discharged their duties efficiently by giving sacrifices. Ignoring the sacrifices of these martyrs is like ignoring our existence. These sacrifices are the guarantee of the life. The sacrifices of martyrs are the matter of pride for us and the nation cannot ignore their sacrifices. He said the Punjab government will cooperate with the Police Department for the help of the families of the martyrs. He said the Punjab government was with the families of police martyrs and it’s still standing with them. The interim CM said enhancing the performance of the police by providing them modern technology to face the challenges of security is the praiseworthy act. He said he is hopeful that the police will face the changing challenges of the security with efficiency. He said those who discharge their duties in a professional manner are the example for others. The uniform of the police represents the confidence of the nation and policemen and officers will never ignore the respect this uniform. They should always keep it in mind that the common man should feel comfort due to the attitude of police and should not be afraid of them. The laws are made for the welfare of the people and the people are not for the law. He said the purpose of this ceremony is to pay homage to police martyrs who are alive in our hearts forever. He said several policemen have been injured in the war against terrorism and they are not leading normal lives now. Our wholehearted sympathies are with police martyrs. Interim ministers Shaukat Javed, Zia Haider Rizwi, Ahmad Waqas Riaz, additional chief secretary, IGP Kaleem Imam, CPO BA Nasir, the mother of martyr Caption (r) Mubeen, widow of constable Ramzan, senior police officers and families of police martyrs attended the ceremony. One minute silence was observed on the occasion. *****
LAHORE, August 04: Interim Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari reached Al-Hamra in time as per his tradition to preside over the ceremony held in connection with Police Martyrs Day. The police officers, officials, families of martyrs, senior civil officers and media were present in the ceremony in the large numbers. The ceremony started with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran relating to martyrs. One minutes silence was also observed on the occasion. The daughter of police martyr ASI Muhammad Amin, Atika, delivered an emotional speech. She said she is proud of being the daughter of police martyr. The eyes of audience of swelled with tears when son of a police martyr Constable Mumtaz Hussain, Ali Husnain, delivered his speech. The daughter of martyr SI Musadak, Hadia Musadak said in her speech that she is not the daughter of Musdak, but the daughter of Punjab Police. Grandson of martyr SI Musadak Hussain surprised the audience with his speech in English and he said he wanted to be a shaheed or ghazi like his grandfather. Interim Home Minister Shaukat Javed said in his speech that the Punjab Police have rendered great sacrifices despite limited resources. There are 1462 martyrs of the Punjab Police in the war against terrorism. Additional Chief Secretary Tariq Najeeb Najmi said we are leading a peaceful life due to sacrifices of police martyrs. IGP Syed Kaleem Imam said every policeman from IGP to lowest rank is ready to sacrifice life for the defence of the motherland. He said door of IGP are always open for the families of police martyrs. CCPO Lahore BA Nasir said the families of police martyrs are the chief guests of this ceremony. As many as 305 brave policemen of the Lahore Police have sacrifices their lives. The mother of martyr Caption (R) Ahmed Mobeen seated on the stage and she wiped her tears several times during ceremony. *****
LAHORE, August 04: Interim Chief Minister Punjab Dr Hasan Askari has grief and sorrow over the death of gold medal activist of Pakistan Movement Abdul Hameed. In his condolence message, he conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in the eternal peace and grant courage to them. *****
LAHORE, Aug. 02: Provincial minister for law and finance Zia Haider Rizvi called on caretaker chief minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari at his office here today. During the meeting, chief minister lauded the efforts of Zia Haider Rizvi and his team for taking solid measures to maintain financial discipline in the province. He appreciated different austerity measures taken by the finance department for saving of resources. Talking on the occasion, Dr. Askari said that timely and purposeful utilization of resources helps to solve the problems of the people; adding that financial discipline is imperative for every government. That is why, caretaker government has overcome the wastage of resources and effective guidelines have been issued with regards to funds’ utilizations by the finance department. Correct utilization of resources provides necessary relief to the people and sufficient space is created for proper utilization of funds for development of social sector. He said the ban on unnecessary expenditures by the caretaker government will result in producing positive impacts and more resources would be available for improving healthcare, education and other social sectors. He said that resources should be further enhanced for provision of different facilities to the masses and added that this would help in fulfilling the expectations of the people towards their government. It is the fundamental responsibility of every government to devise an effective mechanism for solving the day to day problems of the people and required resources should also be allocated in this regard. There is a need to work in a professional manner with innovative ideas to meet the emerging challenges, he added. Dr. Askari said that promotion of norms of simplicity and austerity at the government level would help to overcome the unnecessary expenditures and thus enhanced resources could be used for providing basic needs to the people. The governments should work in a proactive manner to achieve this goal, he said. Utilization of resources for solving the problems of the people paves the way for prosperity in the country, he said. Decrease in non-development expenditures is in the interest of the people and caretaker government has set an example for the upcoming government by decreasing such expenditures, concluded the chief minister. Zia Haider Rizvi apprized the chief minister about the performance of law and finance departments and said that unnecessary expenditures of different departments have been decreased by following strict financial discipline. Similarly, a saving of around four crore rupees has been made in the monthly expenditures of the chief minister’s office, he further said. ** **
LAHORE, Aug. 01: Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has said that tremendous potential for progress and prosperity exists in the society and proper utilization of talented and professional human resource can open the doors of development and growth in Pakistan. While talking to the 8-member delegation of Unified Media Club of Pakistan led by its general secretary Haroon Akram Gill here today, the chief minister said that positive changes in the economic situation after peaceful holding of the elections are a good sign and added that timely decisions are necessary to ensure good governance. He said that media interconnects government and the people and identification of problems of the people through media helps the policy makers in decision making. He said that independent media is the guardian of societal norms and added that proactive role of media cannot be ignored in the social development of the society. In fact, presence of a responsible media is imperative for fulfillment of democracy and democratic norms. He said that constructive role played by the media industry during the elections is commendable as it has proactive worked to sensitize the people about the importance of vote. The caretaker government has fulfilled the responsibility of free and fair elections through impartial decisions and the whole government team fully exhibited its professional capabilities to meet the challenge of holding impartial elections, he added. Dr. Askari also apprized the delegation about responsibilities and working of the caretaker government and answered to their questions. Provincial DGPR Ms. Nabeela Ghazanfar was also present on the occasion. ####
LAHORE, Aug. 01: Provincial minister for information & culture (I&C) Ahmed Waqas Riaz called on the caretaker chief minister punjab Dr. Hasan Askari at his office here today. During the meeting, chief minister appreciated the performance of directorate general public relations (DGPR) and information department for facilitating the media men during elections and arranging necessary coordination with the stakeholders. He also congratulated information minister Ahmed Waqas Riaz and his team for best media management. Talking on the occasion, the chief minister said that officers and staff of DGPR & information department performed their duties in a professional manner. They arranged best coordination with the media men to carry out the responsibilities, he added. The performance of the department was satisfying and I am of the opinion that officers of DGPR and information department will continue to work with same zeal, passion and hard work to serve the nation in future as well. Dr. Askari said the media industry is of vital importance to keep the people informed in the present era. The national media has played a positive role during the electoral process and immediate actions were taken to redress the complaints highlighted by media during the elections. The media played an effective role during the elections and kept the people informed about facts, he added. It is satisfying that role of the media is important with regard to sensitizing the people about importance of right to vote, he added. The print and electronic media created necessary public awareness about importance of casting vote through effective messages. That is why voter turnout remained satisfactory, he added. Dr. Askari further said that pivotal role of media cannot be ignored for continuity and sustainability of democracy in the country. Media has set a good tradition by following the code of conduct of the election commission and it has given a proof of professional competence for continuity of democracy while coordination between media sector and information department remained exemplary, concluded the chief minister. Provincial minister Ahmed Waqas Riaz briefed the chief minister about the performance of information and culture department. ***
LAHORE, July 31: Provincial home minister Shaukat Javed called on caretaker chief minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari at his office, here today. The chief minister appreciated the performance of police and other law enforcement agencies for making foolproof security arrangements to provide peaceful atmosphere to the voters. He also commended the performance of police and field administration and lauded the role played by home minister and his team. In fact, police officers and other staff have worked hard to ensure peaceful holding of the elections, he added. It’s satisfying that Pak army, rangers, police and other law enforcement agencies industriously worked for controlling law and order situation. Due to effective measures taken by the government, crores of voters used their democratic right without any fear or danger. Dr. Askari said that Pak army and rangers extended full cooperation to the Punjab government for making effective security arrangements. The police have set an example by fulfilling obligations in a proper manner. It is worthwhile that no untoward incident occurred on the polling day due to effective arrangements made by the Punjab government and the general situation of law and order remained under control during the election process throughout the province. He pointed out that crores of people have used their right to vote in a peaceful environment across the province. He said that foolproof security arrangements were made to provide peaceful atmosphere to the voters and to maintain law and order in the elections. The effective monitoring of the elections has helped to maintain law and order and lakhs of police officials performed their duties in a yeomanly manner despite harsh weather and boosted the morale of police force. He said the police officers and officials have given the proof of their professional competence by making best elections related arrangements and security agencies also assiduously worked. He said the provincial administration, police, Pak army, rangers and other agencies have done a worthwhile work to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. He said that cooperation of Pak army, rangers and other agencies is worthwhile for peaceful completion of the electoral process. Duties should have to be performed with same zeal and passion in future as well for the protection of life and property of the people, he added. He said that improving the law and order situation and eradication of crimes is the fundamental responsibility of the police and it should perform its duties with renewed zeal for elimination of criminal elements. There is a need to enhance the capability of the police by using latest technology as developed countries have overcome crimes by using latest means of science and technology. Every possible step will be taken to further improve the law and order situation, concluded the chief minister. ####
LAHORE, July 30: President Lahore Press Club (LPC) Azam Chaudhry called on Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari at his office, here today. During the meeting, he congratulated Dr. Hasan Askari for holding free, fair and transparent elections. The caretaker government has rendered the responsibility of holding transparent elections in a proper way and the whole team ensured neutrality of election process, he added. Dr. Askari said that timely holding of peaceful, transparent and impartial elections in the province was a challenge which has been met with the cooperation of a professional team. The caretaker government diligently carried out the task, he said. It is sanguine that national media played a positive role during election process by keeping the people informed about the facts. He said all the parties were provided a level playing field to ensure transparent and neutral elections. Pakistani people used their right of franchise independently and their disciplined behavior was exemplary during polling. He said that people have been rewarded of untiring efforts of the caretaker government in shape of continuity of democratic process. The caretaker government has fulfilled the process of transparent, neutral and peaceful elections and crores of people used their democratic right in a peaceful manner, he said. Performance of Pak army, rangers, police, administration and other line departments has remained commendable and law and order situation was also under control due to effective measures adopted by the government. The caretaker government has proved its neutrality with practical steps, he added. The provincial administration provided every possible facility to the voters so that they could cast their votes in a congenial atmosphere and security agencies also dutifully performed their responsibilities. With the grace of Allah Almighty, we have succeeded in holding peaceful and transparent general elections with collective efforts. He said that role of media has become increasingly important in the present age and its role in promoting public awareness is especially pivotal. Similarly, media also helps in performing the government related responsibilities in a proper manner. The Chief Minister said that he has been personally attached with the media industry and immediate instructions are issued to the concerned departments to solve the people related problems that are projected through electronic and print media. He said that steps will be soon taken to release the quarterly installment of annual grant of LPC. He ensured that demand of increasing the annual LPC grant will be heard sympathetically and recommendations would be made for the elected government. LPC President Azam Chaudhry thanked the Chief Minister for assuring solution of their demands. ** * **
LAHORE, July 29: Interim Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has said that the interim government has maintained impartiality since it took charge and it has fulfilled its promise to hold fair and free elections as it was given the responsibility of this task. The interim government of Punjab has succeeded in the holding of fair and transparent elections with the cooperation of the people. He said all departments played their active role in the holding of transparent, neutral and impartial elections. They discharged their responsibilities as a team and we pay homage to all those who play their role in the holding of fair and transparent elections. He said holding of fair and impartial elections in Punjab was a big challenge and we completed it successfully. The whole of team of the interim government worked with diligence and determination to fulfil its responsibility. He said all political parties were given a level playing field for the fair and transparent elections. He said the people of Pakistan voted with freedom and displayed discipline on the Election Day. The people have got fruit of continuity of the democracy due to untiring efforts of the interim government. *****
LAHORE, July 29: Chief Secretary Punjab Akbar Durrani, accompanied by Secretary Specialized Healthcare Saqib Zafar, visited Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH) to review the facilities being provided to the patients. He inspected different sections of the institute and asked the patients about quality of facilities being provided to them. During visit to art section, an under-treatment patient presented gift of his self-prepared painting to the Chief Secretary. PIMH Executive Director Dr. Mudasar Hameed Qureshi briefed that about 1000 patients are under treatment in the hospital. He said that at present the institute is facing acute shortage of doctors and staff. Besides initiating recruitment of staff at the institute a case has also been forwarded to Punjab Public Service Commission for appointments to the posts of grade 17 or above, he added. The Chief Secretary ordered that a 100-bed center for rehabilitation for drug addicts be made functional at the earliest and recruitment of doctors and staff be completed on priority basis. He also issued instructions for planting more trees in the hospital so that patients could get a clean environment. He checked quality of food and cleanliness in the kitchen. Earlier, the Chief Secretary visited United Christian Hospital (UCH), Gulberg. He directed Secretary Specialized Healthcare Saqib Zafar to submit a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate the UCH. He mentioned that this hospital can be helpful in efforts to provide quality healthcare to patients under public-private partnership. He said that all possible resources would be utilized for provision of latest medical facilities to people. He opined that nursing and medical technicians courses can be started, using the spacious building of UCH. The Chief Secretary was briefed that UCH is being run under a board of directors. About Rs. 25 crore would be required for complete rehabilitation of UCH including repair and renovation of building, purchase of equipment, and salaries of doctors and staff. A two-year course of community midwife is being conducted at UCH whereas new courses can also be started with the help of the government. *****


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