*INTERIM CM GRIEVED AT DEATHS IN MIAN CHANNU ROAD ACCIDENT*
*INTERIM CM GRIEVED AT DEATHS IN RAIN-RELATED INCIDENTS*
*INTERIM CM EXPRESSES CONDOLENCE AT CITY 42 FEATURE WRITER RAO JAVED’S DEATH*
HEC CHAIRMAN CALLS ON INTERIM CM, DISCUSSES HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES SHOULD BE BROUGHT AT PAR WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS: INTERIM CM
SECRETARY PRIMARY AND SECONDARY HEALTH LED THE WORLD HEPATITIS DAY WALK
AWARENESS SEMINAR ON WORLD HEPATITIS DAY VIGOROUS CAMPAIGN AGAINST HEPATITIS ON THE PATTERN OF POLIO IS ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENT HAS ESTABLISHED HEPATITIS CLINICS ACROSS THE PROVINCE
MINISTER HEALTH INAUGURATES TREE PLANTATION CAMPAIGN IN JINNAH HOSPITAL FRUIT AND SHADY TREES SHOULD BE PREFERRED IN THE CAMPAIGN
*CM MESSAGE ON WORLD HEPATITIS DAY *
*CM CONDOLES DEATH OF FOUR PERSONS DUE TO FIRE *
*CM CONDOLES DEATH OF FATHER OF IRFAN QADIR*
CARETAKER PROVINCIAL GOVT PROVED ITS NEUTRALITY WITH PRACTICAL STEPS—DR. ASKARI
DR. ASKARI CONDOLES MARTYRDOM OF ARMY JAWANS IN BATTAGRAM
CM CONDOLES LOSS OF LIVES IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT NEAR JAHANIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DEVISED FOR PEACEFUL HOLDING OF ELECTIONS: DR. ASKARI
PUNJAB CABINET MEETING TAKES IMPORTANT DECISIONS
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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, July 28**: * Interim Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in the traffic accident in Mian Channu. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He directed the administration to provide best medical treatment to the injured persons. *****
*LAHORE, July 28**: * Interim Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives due to collapse of roofs and other rain-related incidents in the province. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He directed the administration to provide best medical treatment to the injured persons. The interim chief minister said the interim provincial government shares the grief of the families who lost their loved ones in the rain-related incidents. *****
*LAHORE, July 28**: * Interim Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has expressed grief and sorrow over the death of City 42 feature writer and author Rao Javed Iqbal. In his condolence message, he prayed that Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family.
LAHORE, July 28: Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Tariq Banuri called on Interim Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari. Promotion of higher education and research development were discussed in the meeting. The interim chief minister congratulated Dr. Tariq Banuri for assuming the charge as the chairman HEC. Speaking on the occasion, Interim CM Dr. Hasan Askari said institutions of higher education play active role in the development of economy and human resource, adding we have to bring public universities at a par with international standards. He said focus on the quality education is needed for the consistent promotion of higher education and human resource, and Pakistan can achieve several targets through quality higher education. He said educational institutions should also focus on the research development besides quality education. He said favourable environment in our universities is needed to attract students from foreign universities and universities should use all-out resources for the promotion of higher education. He said economic and social condition of the country can only be improved through the promotion of higher education. The quality education is the only way to face challenges of poverty, unemployment and ignorance. He said the education system is being improved speedily for the promotion of higher education. Pakistan has talent, and we need encouragement of our students. Education is the key to the success and bright future of Pakistan. He said we need to take correct decisions for the promotion of higher education. He said research development can be promoted through effective direct links of agriculture, industry and livestock. He said the HEC has rendered valuable services for the supremacy of merit and improvement of academic standards. *****
LAHORE, July 28: Secretary Primary and Secondary Health Punjab Ali Bahadar Qazi has said that Punjab government is utilizing all possible resources to achieve the target of elimination of hepatitis by 2030 as committed with World Health Organization. He said that enthusiastic community is essential to achieve this goal. He expressed these views while talking to the media after heading the awareness walk on the eve of world hepatitis day at Liberty Chowk Gulberg, here today. Deputy Commissioner Lahore Anwar ul Haq, Director Punjab Hepatitis Control Program Dr. Zahida Serwar, Additional Secretary Technical Dr. Shehnaz, CEO Health Lahore Saeed Ullah Khan and a large number of leady health workers, representations of international development partners and a large number of paramedics participated in the walk. The mean theme of World Hepatitis Day is “Finding the Missing Millions” that means such people who are career of hepatitis B or C but they did not aware of this fact could be persuaded. The Secretary Health said that everybody should go through blood screening to detect the disease as the early detection can make easy to overcome the disease by timely medication. The participants of the walk were caring play cards and banners having slogans regarding the awareness of the disease. On this occasion, health workers also distributed hand bills among the citizens for taking precautionary measures to prevent themselves from the hepatitis B and C. *****
LAHORE, July 28: A Vigorous campaign for the eradication of hepatitis B & C should be launched on the pattern of anti-polio campaign in collaboration of health experts and community participation so that the target of elimination of hepatitis by 2030 could be achieved as committed with the WHO. These views were expressed by the public health experts and clinicians while addressing an awareness seminar organized by Pakistan Society of Gastroenterology to observe world hepatitis day, at a local hotel here today. Prof. Gias un Nabi Tayyab, Associate Prof. Israr ul Haq Toor, Prof. Anwar A. Khan, Prof. Shumail Zafar, Prof. Nusrat Ullah Chaudhary, Director Punjab Hepatitis Control Program Dr. Zahida Serwar and other health experts addressed the seminar. Prof. Gias un Nabi Tayyab was of the view that 2.5 lakh new patients of hepatitis included every year in the system. The health experts said that by avoiding inoculation of unnecessary injections, always use of new disposable syringe, transfusion of screened blood and use of sterilized instruments of dentists and surgeons as well as new blades by the barbers can protect the people from the infection of blood borne diseases. Director Hepatitis Control Program Dr. Zahida Serwar and Prof. Gias un Nabi Tayyab said that government has established a network of hepatitis clinics. Dr, Zahida Seerwar said that free of cost diagnostics and treatment facilities including medicines are being provided in the hepatitis clinics setup in district and tehsil headquarter hospitals. Moreover, Gastroenterology Departments have also been established in the teaching hospitals attached with the medical colleges by the Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department where treatment and diagnostic facilities are being provided the experts were of the view that everybody has to get blood test for diagnosis of hepatitis B & C so that if the test is positive early treatment could be started. They advised that healthy people should prevent themselves from hepatitis B by getting vaccinated. A large number of senior professors of different medical colleges and experts from PGMI LGH, nurses and paramedics attended the seminar. *****
LAHORE, July 28: Punjab Minister for Health Dr. Jawad Sajid Khan has urged upon the administration of the hospitals to prefer fruit and shady trees during tree plantation campaign in their hospitals so that people can get benefit from these trees. He stated this while inaugurating the tree plantation campaign by planting an Araucaria sapling in the Jinnah Hospital here today. MS Dr. Asim Hameed and other administrative doctors were also present on this occasion. The Medical Superintendent Dr. Asim Hameed also planted a tree. While talking to the media, Dr. Jawad Sajid khan said that in many countries it is mandatory by law to the farmers to cultivate forestry on 10 percent on their land. The Minister Health said that ornamental and fancy trees do not fulfill the need of plantation as the only shady and huge trees can provide sufficient oxygen to overcome the air pollution. He said that maximum tree plantation is our national requirement to control flood erosions, air pollution and making the environment human friendly. *****
*LAHORE, July 27**:* Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Dr. Hasan Askari has said that creating necessary awareness among the masses about protection from hepatitis is very essential. In his message on World Hepatitis Day, the Chief Minister said that society will also have to play its role for eradicating hepatitis from the society. He said that collective efforts would have to be initiated to save the new general from this fatal disease. We could be protected from this fatal disease by adopting necessary precautionary measures as prevention is better than cure. He said that effective awareness campaign should also be launched regarding protection from hepatitis and adoption of precaution measures. It is the demand of this day that concerned departments should strenuously perform their duties as practical steps are required to overcome hepatitis, concluded the Chief Minister. ** * **
*LAHORE, July 27**:* Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Dr. Hasan Askari has expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the death of four persons of a family due to fire in Islamabad. He extended heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family.
*LAHORE, July 27**:* Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Dr. Hasan Askari has expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the death of father of Irfan Qadir, former Attorney General of Pakistan. In his condolence message, the Chief Minister prayed that may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.
LAHORE, July 26: Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has said that caretaker government has fulfilled the promise of holding free, fair and impartial elections in a peaceful manner. The crores of people have used their right of franchise in a peaceful manner while the caretaker government has fulfilled the responsibility of holding transparent and impartial elections in a proper way. That is why people have expressed their complete confidence over foolproof arrangements made for the elections. In a statement issued here today, the Chief Minister congratulated the administration and police for making best arrangement for transparent and peaceful elections. He also appreciated the performance of Pak army and rangers for extending full cooperation to the Punjab government for making effective security arrangements on polling day. I am thankful to Pak army and rangers who helped to maintain law and order along with Punjab government, police and other law enforcement agencies for the execution of holding general elections, he added. No doubt, it was a collective responsibility which has been performed in a proper manner. The performance of Pak army, rangers, police, administration and other relevant agencies remained up to the mark, he added. The law and order situation remained under control due to effective measures of the Punjab government. He said that people also showed discipline on the polling day and they deserve congratulations for that. He said that caretaker Punjab government provided full opportunities to the voters to use their democratic right independently and it has proved its neutrality with practical performance. Provincial administration, police, Pak army, rangers and other agencies have rendered yeoman service for peaceful holding of elections. Line departments exhibited their best performance for peaceful elections, he added. He said that foolproof security arrangements were made for the provision of peaceful atmosphere to voters and maintenance of law and order during the elections. The administration in Punjab provided every possible facility to the voters to use their right of franchise and security agencies performed their duties in a very professional manner. We pay tributes to those who have extended cooperation in the arrangements of transparent and peaceful elections and their role in neutral election will always be remembered. The people in the Punjab province have given a proof of being conscientious human beings through peaceful elections and proved that they have great attachment with the democracy. With the grace of Allah Almighty and due to the collective efforts, we have succeeded in holding of peaceful and transparent elections, concluded the Chief Minister. ** * **
LAHORE, July 26: Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of five army jawans in an accident in Battagram and extended sympathies to the bereaved families. We pay tributes to the army jawans who have embraced martyrdom while performing their duties and pray to Allah Almighty to give solace to the bereaved families to bear the loss with equanimity, concluded the Chief Minister. ** * **
LAHORE, July 24: Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has expressed a deep sense of sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives in a road accident near Jahanian. He has extended sympathies to the heirs and directed to provide best treatment facilities to the injured. He has also sought a report from the administration about the accident. ####
LAHORE, July 24: Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Hasan Askari has said that comprehensive plan has been devised for peaceful and transparent holding of general elections. Similarly, effective arrangements have been made for the protection of voters and polling staff at polling stations. Restriction on carrying mobile phones to polling stations will be ensured and instructions have already been issued to the concerned officials and agencies in this regard, he added. He said that special security arrangements have been made for sensitive polling stations. Similarly, all the necessary arrangements have been made to bring back ballot boxes to respective district returning officers from the polling stations. In a statement issued here today, Dr. Askari said that as much as 47473 polling stations have been setup for 141 national assembly and 297 provincial assembly seats in the Punjab and added that necessary facilities have been arranged at these polling stations. He said that important duty of holding national elections in a transparent and impartial manner will be performed in an appropriate manner. He said that casting vote is an important obligation and comprehensive steps have been taken at polling stations so that voters can use their right of franchise in a peaceful manner. The Chief Minister said that best security arrangements have been made to maintain peaceful atmosphere on polling day and added that digital monitoring system for polling stations has been activated. Polling stations will be monitored through CCTV cameras and no one will be allowed to take law into one’s own hands. He said that indiscriminate action will be taken on violation of code of conduct of election commission on the polling day. Caretaker provincial government has taken every possible step for free, fair and impartial elections and all parties have been given a level playing field during the election campaign. That is why, electoral campaign has ended in a peaceful manner in the Punjab. July 25 is an important day in the national history, he said. Punjab government has made all the necessary arrangements for impartial elections and special attention has been given to the aspect of security along with availability of necessary facilities at polling stations so that voters could independently use their democratic right, concluded the Chief Minister. *****
LAHORE, July 23: The meeting of provincial cabinet was held with Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Dr. Hasan Askari in the chair at his office, here today which lasted for three hours. Many important decisions were taken unanimously in the meeting including principle approval of closure of non-active and non-functional public sector companies. It was decided that non-functional and non-active public sector companies will be closed down through a legal mechanism. Final opinion will be solicited from law and finance departments to determine the future of public sector companies which have been given funds and in the light of this opinion, a final decision will be taken. The meeting approved to amend the first schedule of code of civil procedure 1908. The meeting also approved to constitute the administrative committee for Punjab Institute of Cardiology Lahore along with constitution of board of management of Shaikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. Approval was given to formulate board of management for Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health Lahore. It was decided to give the facility of additional working capital amounting to Rs.3.175 billion to Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power limited and the meeting also accorded approval to the decision of setting up of Punjab Tianjin University of Technology at Township. It was decided that Punjab government employees will voluntarily give their salary for the fund established for construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam and Mohmand Dam. Officials of grade one to sixteen will give one day salary while grade seventeen to 22 officers will donate their two-day salary. Addressing the meeting, Dr. Askari said that construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam is vital for the country. The citizens should deposit according to their capacity in this noble cause for meeting the water needs of the country. Punjab government employees will voluntarily donate their one day or two day salary in this fund, he added. The meeting strongly condemned the incidents of terrorism in Balochistan and KPK and offered Fateha for the departed souls of Siraj Raisani, Haroon Billaur, Ikram Ullah Gandapur and other martyrs. The Chief Minister said that Punjab government is standing with its Baloch and Pakhtoon brethren in this time of agony. Punjab government has given Rs. one crore for the financial aid of affectees of Mastung tragedy. He said that Siraj Raisani, Haroon Billaur and Ikram Ullah Gandapur were patriotic Pakistanis and the nation will never forget their great sacrifices. On the occasion, Punjab cabinet meeting also reiterated the commitment of holding free, fair and impartial elections on July 25 and decided to further strict the security arrangements across the province keeping in view the recent incidents of terrorism. Dr. Askari said that peaceful atmosphere will be provided to the voters on polling day to help independently use their right of franchise. Best arrangements have been ensured at every level for transparent elections process, he added. All the line departments will proactively perform their duties on polling day and we shall do our duty in an amicable manner, concluded the Chief Minister. Provincial ministers, chief secretary, ACS, chairman P&D, concerned secretaries and high officials attended the meeting. *****


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