RUKHSANA NAVEED MNA CALLS ON CM PUNJAB
CM CONDOLES DEATH OF FATHER OF MOHSIN GORAYA
GOVERNOR AND CM PUNJAB DISCUSS DIFFERENT ISSUES
CM ATTENDS CEREMONY OF SETTING UP 100-MEGAWATT SOLAR PROJECT IN LAYYAH
CM CONDOLES DEATH OF MOTHER OF CM OFFICE CASHIER
CM THANKS PEOPLE FOR THEIR SUPPORT FOR COMBATING CORONAVIRUS
RAJA BASHARAT CHAIRS 33RD MEETING OF PUNJAB CABINET COMMITTEE ON LAW
PUNJAB GOVERNMENT'S APP BALDIA ONLINE GETS 0.2 MILLION USERS IN TWO WEEKS: SECRETARY LG&CD
PUNJAB CABINET UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE OVER TWO YEARS PERFORMANCE OF PUNJAB GOVT
CM HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANT ACHIEVEMENTS OF PUNJAB GOVERNMENT AFTER COMPLETION OF TWO YEARS PTI GOVERNMENT IN PUNJAB
CM CHAIRS MEETING ABOUT SMALL DAMS PROJECT IN KOH-E-SULEMAN AREA
CM CHAIRS MEETING TO REVIEW E&T DEPARTMENT REFORMS
CM TO CHAIR PUNJAB CABINET TODAY
Punjab government will present its two years performance report at a ceremony to be held at 90-Shara-e-Quaid-i-Azam tomorrow. Provincial Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht will dilate on two years performance of government departments.
Punjab government will present its two years performance report at a ceremony to be held at 90-Shara-e-Quaid-i-Azam tomorrow. Provincial Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht will dilate on two years performance of government departments.
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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 |
Member National Assembly Rukhsana Naveed called on Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar at his office and felicitated him over the successful completion of two years of public service. You have worked hard to provide relief to the masses and credit of eliminating one-man show culture goes to you, she added. Your doors are open to everyone and decisions are made in the public interest. Similarly, you have accelerated the journey of public service without caring for the spate of criticism, she further said. Usman Buzdar maintained that two years of PTI rule is filled with public service and every sector is being developed on modern lines. He pointed out that rates of essential items in Punjab are the minimum as compared to other provinces. Punjab is the only province where a 20-kg flour bag is available at Rs.860. I personally monitor relief providing steps and price control authority is being established to permanently eradicate the price hike, he added. The welfare of the impecunious strata is the core mission of the government. Similarly, creating ease is another obligation, he added. The CM disclosed that work has been started on urban forestation. Public interest has always been given importance while serving the masses. Our inner self is transparent and clean and my team is victorious before the court of the people. Punjab is leading other federating units in terms of merit, transparency and good governance, he further said.
Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar has expressed a deep sense of sorrow over the death of Ch. Faqir Muhammad Goraya, father of former LPC president & columnist Mohsin Goraya. In a message, the CM prayed that may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.
Governor Punjab Ch. Muhammad Sarwar met with Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar at his office here on Thursday and discussed matters of mutual interest. Governor Ch. Sarwar congratulated the chief minister for completion of two years of the Punjab government and appreciated the provincial government’s performance. He paid tributes to Usman Buzdar for moving forward development projects despite financial difficulties. The CM praised the efforts of Governor Punjab Ch. Muhammad Sarwar to express solidarity with the citizens by visiting Karachi. The PTI government is standing with the citizens of Karachi in this hour of trial. The Punjab government has taken solid steps to fulfil the promises made with the people and taxes have been abolished or their ratio has been decreased keeping in view the difficulties of the citizens, he added. The CM stated that local government funds have been restored and financial transparency and merit in administrative matters is the agenda of the government. Honesty, transparency, merit and truthfulness are the hallmarks of the Punjab government, he added. The era of political jugglery is over and the government takes practical steps for public service, he further said. The CM regretted that opposition made a futile attempt of political point-scoring on Karachi issue and asserted that Prime Minister Imran Khan is fully committed to resolving the problems of Karachi. Governor Punjab Ch. Sarwar stated that he visited Karachi to express solidarity with the rain-affected people adding that all our sympathies are with the affectees. Opposition only did lip-service on the issue of rains in Karachi and, instead of engaging in negative politics, it should have come forward to help the affectees of Karachi. The PTI government will heal the wounds of Karachi under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan. The universal coverage of Sehat Insaf Card is a historic decision of the PTI government. The PTI is promoting development and transparency in Punjab and its two-year performance is encouraging, he further stated.
A ceremony was held at CM Office to sign an agreement between Punjab Power Development Board of Energy Department, Alternate Energy Development Board and Zhenfa Pakistan New Energy Company for setting up the 100-megawatt solar project in Chaubara area of Layyah district with an investment of Rs 10 billion. This project will generate electricity at a minimum tariff of 3.7 cents. Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar and Federal Energy Minister Umer Ayub Khan were the chief guests. MD PPDB, CEO AEDB and CEO of Zhenfa Pakistan New Energy Company signed the letter of support. Addressing the ceremony, the CM stated the energy needs of Punjab is greater than other provinces due to the size of its population and developing economy adding that provincial government is committed to fulfilling energy needs from its resources. Around 70 per cent of total electricity product is used in Punjab and the province pays 82 per cent revenue of the national income generated from the electricity sector, he said. The PTI government is working for cheap electricity generation as the past government set up expensive energy projects which burdened the masses, he added. He announced that government offices will be converted to solar energy in phases adding that conversion of 950 BHUs to solar energy is in progress. Punjab Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency is providing technical advice to government institutions and energy conservation building codes have also been compiled which will help in saving money, he stated. He disclosed that proposal is being reviewed to transfer industrial estates, WASAs and orange line train type projects on alternate energy. Government is facilitating the investors as ample investment opportunities are available in the energy sector, he added. A mechanism has been devised to ensure implementation of energy projects in the minimum of time, he further said. The CM stated that 17.30 crore unit electricity will be provided to the national grid through this project to fulfil the needs of around 17 thousand families. Meanwhile, the waste-to-energy project is also being studied by the Punjab government, the CM concluded. Federal Minister Umer Ayub Khan stated that solar project agreement is signed with minimum tariff for which CM Usman Buzdar and his team deserve accolades. Past governments set up expensive energy projects and poor planning was done in the past but the incumbent government is generating electricity through cheap resources. Net metering will be brought to single-phase as transmission lines have been improved which have the capability to supply 24000-megawatt electricity. Separate tariff for WASAs is also being reviewed, he added. Energy Minister Akhtar Malik said that most expensive solar projects were set up in the past tenure and public money was mercilessly wasted. Eight thousand schools have been converted to solar energy and the target of converting 15 thousand schools to solar energy will be achieved. ACS (Energy) Irum Bukhari said that Usman Buzdar provided full cooperation at every occasion and added that it is an important project of providing cheap electricity. Tariff of the 100-megawatt project is 3.7 cent. Information Minister Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan, assembly members Ghazeen Abbasi, Sadia Sohail, advisor Dr Salman Shah and energy experts attended the meeting.
Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has condoled the death of the mother of Muhammad Azad Qasim Khan, Cashier of CM Office. He has extended sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace.
Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has thanked the people for their cooperation during coronavirus adding that situation in Punjab is better than other provinces. The smart lockdown yielded positive results but care should be observed as the virus has not ended yet. The use of the face mask is helpful in saving the people from the virus and the citizens should make a habit of wearing face masks. He stated that 62 corona patients have been reported in Punjab during the last 24 hours and one patient has died while the number of active cases is 2253. 52592 corona patients have been recovered in Punjab. 9388 have been tested during the last 24 hours while a total of 9 lac and 76 thousand tests were conducted in Punjab.
The 33rd meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Business was held at the Civil Secretariat chaired by Provincial Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Social Welfare Raja Basharat on Thursday in which several legal matters were discussed approved. Provincial Ministers Dr. Murad Ras, Raja Yasir Humayun, Hafiz Mumtaz Ahmed, Taimur Ahmed Khan and concerned secretaries were also present in the meeting. The proposals approved by the Cabinet Committee included nomination of Dr. Uzma Qureshi for the vacant post of member of Punjab Examination Commission, amendment related to approval of budget statement in Punjab Government Servants Housing Foundation Rules 2013, signing of MoU with Asian Development Bank for construction of 500 beds hospital in Mianwali, delegation of powers to Assistant Directors of Local Government as Chairman of Reconciliation Council for interim period, appointment of Irfan Ali Advocate as Member Punjab Environmental Tribunal, issuance of NOC Petrol Pumps offered and promulgation of Punjab Commodities Price Control Act 2020. The committee referred the draft bill of Punjab Private Schools Regulatory Authority to the sub-committee for further consideration which will be headed by Provincial Minister for Higher Education Raja Yasir Humayun.
The mobile phone Application launched by the Punjab government, "Baldiaonline" has been well received by the people and in just two weeks, the number of registered users is touching the figure of 0.2 million. It was told by the Secretary Local Government & Community Development (LG&CD) department Ahmad Javed Qazi in a statement on Wednesday. He said that the LG&CD Department had initiated revolutionary measures to serve the people on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Bazdar and the launch of "Baldiaonline" was also a part of the directions and as per vision of the Chief Minister. He said that the Application was providing various online facilities to the citizens sitting at home including registration of birth, death, marriage and divorce in the local government offices. "Earlier, for these tasks, one had to go to the relevant office of the local government department while this App is proving to be helpful in saving the citizens from the scourge of bribery, red tapism and waiting for days." He said that the App was becoming an effective tool to send complaints against municipal employees LG department and their solutions as well as suggestions for the improvement of the department. He said that citizens could download the App from https://baldiaonline.punjab.gov.pk
The provincial cabinet meeting, which held under the chair of Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar at his office here on Wednesday, unanimously approved the resolution presented by Law Minister Raja Basharat to felicitate the provincial government over its two years wonderful performance. The resolution stated that this meeting expresses its gratitude over the dawn of a new era of progress and prosperity under the CM Punjab Usman Buzdar. This meeting is of the considered opinion that two years performance of the Punjab government depicts the vision of PM Imran Khan as the journey which started in 2018 introduced a new system which shook the foundations of an exploitative agenda of an archaic system spanning over 70 years. The meeting is sanguine the Punjab government has introduced several reforms for transforming the governance model and this has helped in the conspicuous improvements in government performance along-with accountability of the institutions. Similarly, the Punjab government has made record legislation besides initiating work on several mega projects. The meeting is of the considered opinion that all these initiatives are not exhibitory projects but public welfare schemes and work over them is in progress speedily. The two years have also proved as an example of the firm commitment of PM Imran Khan and CM Usman Buzdar. Though the Punjab government faced a number of challenges while transforming the outdated system, and promotion of justice, but the impediments were dealt with steadfastness. The important step was giving the people of southern Punjab their lost right and the CM Usman Buzdar has fulfilled the promise of southern Punjab secretariat. It is the only provincial government which has initiated steps to redress the injustice committed with backward districts. The Punjab cabinet pays tributes to the leadership of PM Imran Khan and performance of CM Usman Buzdar and it is also unanimous that an era of economic stability and composite development has started in Punjab. The cabinet will continue to vigorously play its role during the next three years to make Punjab a model province, with full commitment and passion. Addressing the meeting, the CM thanked Almighty Allah for completing two years of PTI government adding that people have been served round the clock. He also extended congratulations and thanked the cabinet members for their cooperation. The cabinet has always given priority to public interest while taking decisions. We have worked diligently and made tireless efforts. We are neat and clean and also faced criticism for the sake of criticism but it did not deter our commitment. The government is credited that no corruption scandal has surfaced as only work was done. Instead of gimmickry, ease was created in public life through practical steps. He said that Punjab is leading other provinces in transparency, merit and good governance and foundation of a developed Punjab has been laid in two years. Promises made with the people will be fulfilled during the next three years, he added. The CM also appreciated the performance of Punjab government employees and congratulated the political teams for its remarkable performance. Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan stated that best decisions were made under the leadership of CM Usman Buzdar despite difficult circumstances. Despite opposition, the Punjab government performed well and work was done round the clock and this will also continue to service the masses, he added. Housing Minister Mian Mahmood ur Rasheed said that one-man show ruled Punjab for ten years and now work is being done under the leadership of CM Usman Buzdar as a team. The elected representatives have access to CM Usman Buzdar and decisions are made collectively and with consensus. You have removed deprivations of backward areas and work will be continued for the development of the province under your leadership, he added. Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid stated that major success was achieved against corona and the situation is much better as compared to the other provinces because the CM has always focused on health. Forest Minister Sibtain Khan said that CM Usman Buzdar has himself chaired the meeting of every department and his cooperation is available for making Punjab clean and green. Information Minister Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan said that Almighty Allah has succeeded Usman Buzdar despite conspiracies of the opponents because honour or disgrace is decided by Almighty Allah. He also congratulated CM Usman Buzdar and Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid for continuously working for the eradication of corona adding that every project is moving forward in a transparent manner and establishment of southern Punjab secretariat is a major achievement of Usman Buzdar. We are committed to defeating every challenge under the leadership of CM Usman Buzdar. Higher Education Minister Yasir Humayun stated that departments are working independently as no infringement was made by the CM and he has always extended necessary support. Minister Schools Education Murad Raas said that reforms have been introduced in the school education sector and the promises have been materialized by the government. Energy Minister Akhtar Malik said that both Imran Khan and Usman Buzdar were working to transform the outdated system. Earlier, it was a one-man show but, now, the team decides collectively and departments are moved in the right direction. Irrigation Minister Mohsin Leghari said that people were served in two years and they will be served with renewed vigour in the next three years. Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht said that Punjab government has taken good decisions in difficult circumstances which yielded positive results. Steps were taken with collective wisdom to deal with challenges. Now the situation is being improved than before, he said. The meeting was attended by ministers, advisors, special assistants, chief secretary and others.
Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has thanked Almighty Allah for the completion of 2nd year of PTI government in Punjab adding that third parliamentary year is also being started. The PTI government has started taking solid steps to fulfil the promises made with the people. Some projects are completed while work is in progress on others speedily. The political and geographical importance of Punjab province is established and the level of public expectations is very high because they have materialized the dream of a genuine public government after a lapse of many years through the people and the PTI government is working hard to materialise their dreams. He was addressing the ceremony held at 90-SQA with regard to Punjab government’s two years performance. The CM stated that he was surprised to know at the outset that meetings of the Board of Governors of some departments were not held even after the passing of years. Despite difficult challenges, we presented a progressive and pro-business budget and it was not possible to present a better budget than it in these circumstances, he said. Taxes were enhanced in budget every year but we abolished taxes in a new financial year or reduced their ratio. We identified our financial way forward. Trade and industry and health sectors are affected due to corona and 106 billion rupees were allocated for it in the new financial year. This includes 56 billion tax relief and direct expenditures worth 50 billion. Despite difficult circumstances, an additional 5 billion rupees were provided for development projects, he added. Share of local governments was enhanced to 10 per cent and frozen local government funds were also restored. The school education budget has been increased to 382 billion rupees. The government is committed to set up a university in every district and seven universities are being set up. The government is giving full attention to human resource development and it is also committed to creating job opportunities by promoting the construction industry. Financial transparency and merit in administrative matters is our target and Ehsaas Kafalat Program is a unique initiative to alleviate poverty. He said that establishment of southern Punjab secretariat was part of PTI manifesto and the promise has been fulfilled. Additional Chief Secretary and Additional IG have been appointed besides posting secretaries for departments and 33 per cent development funds have been allocated for southern Punjab. He said that Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project is the largest mega project in the country and its utility cannot be denied. This project will economically boost Pakistan. He said that work has been started on 13 special economic zones and the federal government has issued notification for six SEZs. Notification of 7 zones will be issued soon and the historic package has been given for the construction industry’s development. Meanwhile, changes have been introduced in LDA by-laws and construction of high-rise buildings has been allowed. He said that work is in progress on Naya Pakistan Housing Program and clean water project is being started with two billion rupees under Aab Pak Authority. Ease of doing business has been arranged for investors. One window cell and E-khidmat centres have been established. 20 billion rupees are earmarked for soft loans under PSIC. The government is providing training to one lac students every year under TEVTA and around 2200 kilometre roads are constructed in villages under Naya Pakistan Manzalain Asaan Program. This scheme will be continued this year and development projects will be formulated in consultation with public representatives after the restoration of local governments’ funds. He said that the new local government act has been approved and promulgated. Now local government heads will be elected directly. The CM stated that small farmers are being given loans through e-credit scheme and work is continued to introduce new seeds for more productivity. 1.25 billion rupees were allocated to overcome locust attack which was a big threat and it is eliminated over an area of more than 8 lac hectares. The government has launched construction of Jalalpur and Greater Thal Canal systems to irrigate around 8 lac acre land. The study is being conducted for the construction of 4 small dams in Koh-e-Suleman area and upgradation of Khanki Barrage, Jinnah Barrage, Punjnad and other barrages is completed. Meanwhile, work on upgradation of Upper Jhelum Canal and DG Khan Canal is in progress which would revolunarise the irrigation system. He said that 43 lac tons wheat has been purchased and 99 per cent payments were made to sugarcane farmers. The cabinet has approved amendments in sugarcane act and mills will be fined up to 5 million for non-payment to farmers. Sehat Insaf Card Scheme has been introduced in all the districts which will benefit 70 lac families and 3.5 crore needy people. He said that 30 thousand merit-based recruitments have been made in the health sector and 6 new hospitals comprising of 3500 beds are being constructed in different districts. The government has enhanced 12000 beds in hospitals and the construction and expansion of different hospitals are in progress in different districts. Meanwhile, first bone marrow transplant centre is being set up in Bahawalpur and the 600-bed hospital is being set up in Lahore. Wazirabad Institute of Cardiology has been completed and Haseeb Shaheed Hospital has been completed in Faisalabad. Special allowance has been approved for engineers along with doctors and new service structure is being designed for nurses. The corona test facility has been increased to 17 thousand daily and a historic decision has been made to make Urdu as a medium of instruction in primary level and teaching of English as a subject. The e-transfer policy for teachers has yielded positive results and Insaf Afternoon Schools have been set up in 22 districts. He said that 1272 schools have been upgraded without spending a penny. Seven universities are being set up and 4500 CTIs’ recruitments have been completed. New teachers will be recruited on the pattern of CTIs and 130 meetings of the cabinet and cabinet standing committees have been held and decisions were made on 1929 agenda items. He said that Punjab Assembly during its two year tenure has approved 58 bills of public welfare and issued 25 new ordinances. Punjab Assembly passed 38 basic laws. He said that Punjab Assembly has made more legislation as compared to other provincial assemblies. 10 thousand new recruitments in Punjab police have been approved. 550 new vehicles have been purchased for the police department. 45 new police stations are being constructed whereas land for 101 police stations has been identified. Cabinet has approved executive allowance for the police department. Scope of model police stations are being extended. Similarly, under Rescue 1122, scope of motorcycle ambulance service will be extended to all districts of the province. Services of rescue 1122 are been taken at tehsil level. He said that it is PTI government which realise and has given a service structure for the employees of rescue 1122 after 15 years. 92 shelter homes have been constructed in all major cities of the province including Lahore. Panahgah Authority will be established, he added. 10 more shelter homes will be established in Lahore in the rental buildings. 137 day care centres have been established for facilitating the working women throughout the province. Usman Buzdar said that revolutionary measures have been taken for bringing reforms in jail sector. Usman Buzdar said that he personally visited 8 jails of different cities and inspected the condition of the prisoners. Punjab government has paid fines of 28 crore rupees and got released 1000 prisoners. He said that reforms are being introduced in 167 years old jail manual. Prisoners will get relief after implementing parole and probation act. Work is being carried out on different 1300 under completion developmental project. Usman Buzdar further stated that he made visits to Balochistan for promoting inter-provincial harmony and announced developmental projects worth billion of rupees in Turbat, Taftaan and Makraan. He said a hospital will also be set up in Turbat. He said that work is being carried out on the projects of alternative energy sources to get rid of expensive electricity and energy crisis. Work on off-grid solution in Cholistan and Thal is under process. Project of clean and green Pakistan is being carried out successfully. He said that 20-kg flour bag is being sold at the rate of Rs 860 in Punjab. Scope of double decker buses will be extended for promoting tourism in the province. Punjab Public Private Partnership Authority has been established and 28 development projects of worth Rs 144 billion have been approved. A time bar of three to four months will be fixed for starting PPP projects. Foundation stone of construction of Rawalpindi Ring Road, Nullah Lai Express Way, SL-III Ring Road, Sheikhupura-Gujranwala Road will soon be laid. Land Record System is being made easier. 20 Mobile vans have been purchased. Number of Land Record Centres is also being increased. He said that first underground water tank has been constructed to store rainy water in Lahore. Underground water sewage system will be extended gradually in divisions and later at district level. Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project will be started by October. He said that PTI government did not stop work on this project. Subsidy has to be given on this project. He said that 13 national parks have been established in Punjab. Solid Waste Management Authority has been established in Dera Ghazi Khan as well. Soon this authority will be made active in other divisions as well. He said that best cleanliness arrangements were made on Eid-ul-Azha. Reforms are being introduced for making cooperative Bank more effective for which a chairman has been appointed. He said that a comprehensive plan has been evolved by Auqaf Department for the renovation of shrines of religious personalities throughout the province. He said that state land worth billions of rupees got vacated from the qabza mafia. He said that government wants universal coverage of Sehat Insaf Card in Punjab like KPK. On the instructions of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Punjab government wants to provide Sehat Insaf Card to every citizen of Punjab under phase wise program. The Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar also answered the questions of senior columnists, journalists and anchorpersons. In response to a question, Usman Buzdar said that prices of essential commodities are far less than other provinces and most of the edibles are available on the government fixed price. Usman Buzdar said that he personally inspected the prices of essential items on regular basis and issued instructions. Price control authority is being established to cope with price-hiking in Punjab on permanent basis. In response to another question, he replied that boarding and lodging facilities to thousands of people have been provided on daily basis and almonries are being set up besides shelter homes. New courses of technical vocational training have been introduced for generating job opportunities in the province. Poor people is a centre point of our policies. PTI government is struggling for their welfare and betterment. He said that creating ease in the lives of common man is obligation and responsibility of PTI government. Answering another question, Usman Buzdar said that he personally come into field for solving the problems of Lahore. He said I knew every problem of Lahore. He said that 57 point agenda will be implemented for solving civic problems. He said that 2200 wardens are being recruited in Lahore. There is a need to set traffic system on right pattern. He said that traffic management system harmonized with latest demands would be introduced in Lahore. A comprehensive campaign will be run for eradicating the encroachments from the city. Action will be taken against those who sell birds after catching them. Ravi River Urban Development Project will prove to be a game changer. Trees would be planted in Lahore on larger scale. Work on urban forest station in the city has been started. Replying to another question, Usman Buzdar said that he present before NAB when he receive notice and he is ready to present before NAB once again if someone shows him copy of second notice. Provincial Minister for Finance Hashim Jawan Bakht gave a detailed review of two years performance of Punjab government. Provincial Minister for Information Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan expressed views on the major success of Punjab government. Provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, chief secretary, IG Police, secretaries and other rank officers were also present on this occasion.
Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar gave in-principle approval to initiating spadework on four small dams in Koh-e-Suleman area for saving hill-torrents’ water. He chaired a meeting at his office in which secretary irrigation apprised the CM about different matters relating to the construction of small dams. The CM stated that the Punjab government is pondering over different options for small dams as such water reservoir facility is need of the hour. The abundance of hill-torrents’ water is wasted every year and the project will help to save this natural resource for different purposes. People of backward areas will also get clean drinking water; he added and further stated that technical study was underway in the first phase. Provincial Minister Hafiz Mumtaz Ahmed, Chief Secretary, Chairman P&D, secretaries of finance and irrigation departments and others attended the meeting.
Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has given in-principle approval to introducing bio-metric verification system for motor vehicles' registration in the province. For this purpose, Punjab Motor Vehicles Rules, 1969 will be amended to bio-metrically verify the vehicles registration instead of transfer order forms. In this regard, the CM has stated that government is transforming the obsolete system to make it commensurate with the modern-day needs. Now, the citizens would be able to register their vehicles through NADRA and Excise office through biometric verification and this facility will also be available at authorized motor dealers. The CM directed that a plan be devised about bio-metric verification of applicants in their homes through cellular phones. He also directed that process of issuance of motor vehicles number plates be further expedited as people are facing difficulty. I want to resolve this issue at the earliest as the delay has already occurred in this regard and there is no room for the further hold-up. The CM chaired a meeting at his office in which different matters pertaining to the Excise & Taxation Department including the issuance of number plates and a new system of motor vehicles registration were reviewed. Excise Minister Hafiz Mumtaz Ahmed, Chief Secretary, secretaries of finance, law and excise & taxation departments, MD PPRA, Chairman PITB and others attended the meeting.
Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar will preside over special provincial cabinet meeting today (September 2). Two years performance report will be presented in the meeting which will be attended by ministers, advisors, special assistants, Chief Secretary and administrative secretaries.
Punjab government will present its two years performance report at a ceremony to be held at 90-Shara-e-Quaid-i-Azam tomorrow. Provincial Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht will dilate on two years performance of government departments. Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar will be the chief guest and will also address to ceremony. Provincial Ministers, secretaries and concerned authorities will attend the ceremony. Usman Buzdar said that merit, transparency and supremacy of law have been ensured in the province. He said that positive results have been yielded as a result of zero-tolerance policy of the government against corruption. He said that corona, locust attack besides other challenges have been dealt effectively. Government has launched those projects in a short span of two years which the past governments had failed to execute even in decades. Chief Minister said that he believes in practical measures rather than pomp and show. He said that process of institutional reforms has been accelerated in the province. Relief has been provided to the people by utilizing digital technology, he added.
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid visited the Dholanwal Dispensary with former Punjab Governor Mian Azhar here on Tuesday. Present on the occasion were Awais Bhatti, Mian Omer Iqbal, Adil Bhatti, Mehr Saalim Aslam, Mohammad Bial and officials of the District Health Authority. The former Governor has provided support for the refurbishing of the dispensary, X Ray Machine, Ultrasound Machine, Labour Room, Emergency Room and provision of medicines. The Health Minister appreciated the contribution of Mian Azhar for the dispensary. The Health Minister said, “It is a pleasure to see to the refurbishing of the building of the Dispensary. With the functioning this dispensary, around two to two-a-half lakh people can avail the free healthcare services in the area. Latest machinery has been set up at the dispensary. Philanthropists are joining hands with the government for the service to people. We are striving hard to facilitate people in health service delivery.” The Minister Health also gave directives to the District health Authority for more improvements in the Dispensary.


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