The 29th meeting of the provincial cabinet, held at 90-SQA under the chair of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Thursday, approved the allocation of two percent seats for minorities for admission in public sector higher educational institutions.
The decision has been taken under Punjab Minority Empowerment Package. It also gave in-principle approval to LDA Land Use Rules, 2019 and amendment in LDA Private Housing Schemes Rules, 2014 besides constituting a committee to review matters about LDA’s private housing schemes. This committee will take further steps in the light of recommendations of provincial ministers. The cabinet has imposed a ban on unnecessary expenditures along with the release of new supplementary grants to ensure strict financial discipline. However, payment of salaries and pensions will be continued as per routine.
Approval of amendment in TORs of cabinet standing committee for the legislation was approved to grant additional powers to it. One year extension in service contract of provincial ombudsman was given approval and direction was also given to give final shape to matters about the appointment of member (technical|) of Punjab Environmental Tribunal, Lahore. Cabinet also approved Alternate Dispute Resolution Act, 2019 and Accreditation Authority and Framing of Alternate Dispute Resolution Rules, 2020. Meanwhile, a ministerial committee was constituted to examine setting up a 100-bed hospital in the old building of the food department in Multan and submit its final recommendations.
The meeting also endorsed minutes of 28th meeting of Punjab cabinet along with the approval of decisions made in the 29th, 30th and 31st meetings of cabinet standing committee on finance and development. Similarly, the decisions made in the special meetings of cabinet standing committee on finance and development held on February 27, March 10, March 19 and March 28th were also endorsed besides approval of decisions made in the 22nd meeting of cabinet standing committee on legislation.
The CM welcomed Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and Chief Secretary Jawad Rafique Malik to cabinet meeting and reiterated that journey of public service will be continued and no one will be allowed to interrupt it. He added that a zero-tolerance policy against corruption will be continued. I will move forward along with the whole team and will go to every extent to ensure good governance. The service delivery will be further improved for facilitating the people, he said. He asked the government machinery to solve public problems on a priority basis and added that good performers will be encouraged. The government machinery should proactively perform to deal with the prevailing challenges and the PTI-led government is standing with the people in these difficult circumstances, he assured. All will have to perform their duties and wheat procurement target will be achieved. He emphasized that farmers’ interest will be protected and operation will be continued against hoarders. He told that Rs25 billion has been released for dealing with coronavirus pandemic.
The CM disclosed that deduction made in the salaries of doctors and other health professionals in the head of the coronavirus fund will be returned and they will be paid full salary. Instructions have been issued to the health department in this regard, he added. Doctors and other staff, engaged in the treatment of coronavirus patients, will get an additional salary from the month of April and this additional payment will be given to them till the overcoming this pandemic, he added. The meeting was briefed about wheat procurement and matters about coronavirus. Ministers, advisors, special assistants, chief secretary and others attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, on behalf of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, Minister of State Shabbir Ali Qureshi visited the residence of Nazir Ali labourer in cattle market area of Kot Addu and condoled with the bereaved heirs over the tragic incident of the suicide of the Nazir Ahmed. He presented a financial aid cheque worth Rs3 lac to the widow and stated that one child will be given government job on the direction of CM Usman Buzdar. The CM has directed the administration to early complete the process for employment. The suicide of the father of six children is a tragedy and care of orphans is the responsibility of the state, he added.
Separately, Usman Buzdar strongly condemned the unprovoked firing of Indian army on civilian population along LoC. In a statement issued here on Thursday, the CM paid rich tributes to the bravery of Pak Army and extended sympathies to the heirs of martyrs. Targeting the civilian population is the most condemnable action and Modi regime is blatantly violating all international laws while the world is facing coronavirus pandemic, he lamented. He regretted that India is promoting tension and is bent upon disturbing the regional peace through its cowardice acts. The CM reiterated that armed forces of Pakistan are ever-ready and 22 crore people are fully standing with their armed forces. India should not remain in any misunderstanding because the Pak Army has the fullest capacity to give a befitting reply to any Indian aggression, CM concluded.
Also, Usman Buzdar in his message on World Labour Day said that we are celebrating World Labour Day with simplicity and by maintaining social distancing in the wake of coronavirus epidemic and our dear homeland demands from us to confine ourselves within our homes today. Usman Buzdar commended that labourers are our heroes as they earn livelihood by adopting honest means and strengthen our economy. In 1886 at Chicago labourers laid down unprecedented and exemplary sacrifices to attain their rights and this day reminds us of the struggle of Chicago martyrs against oppression and tyranny, he added. CM underscored that Islam as a religion teaches for keeping the labourers in high esteem along with taking care of their welfare and betterment.
