Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said the provincial government has taken effective measures to overcome coronavirus, as Pakistan is facing unusual circumstances due to this pandemic.
He emphasized that the role of elected representatives is very important in monitoring the governmental initiatives, as collective efforts will help overcome this pandemic. In a letter to MNAs of Punjab, the CM hoped that MNAs will utilize all their efforts to deal with the coronavirus. He explained that daily coronavirus testing capacity of Punjab province has reached five thousand, which will be soon enhanced to 10 thousand tests daily. A network of field hospitals, isolation wards, high dependency units and quarantine centres has been established in Punjab, he added. He assured that the government fully understands the difficulties of the unemployed people due to coronavirus and told that the largest financial aid programme has been started for the people facing a financial crunch. The general public is facing difficulties due to price hike and hoarding in Ramazan-ul-Mubarak, he maintained.
He impressed upon the MNAs to remain in constant contact with their district administration and monitor the actions taken against hoarders and illegal profiteers. Similarly, they should also supervise anti-dengue and Clean and Green Punjab Programme along with a review of healthcare facilities being provided in the hospitals. You should play an active role in the solution of problems being faced by the people, he said. This difficult time will soon pass and those who fulfil the needs of the others by healing their wounds are remembered till lately, the CM concluded.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has approved initial framework of Rise Punjab to promote investment and development in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. Chairman P&D presented the document of the framework in a meeting which held at 90-SQA under the chair of CM Usman Buzdar on Monday. Talking on this occasion, the CM pointed out that Punjab took the lead in devising Rise Punjab plan in the backdrop of coronavirus pandemic. He emphasised that the identification of new priorities is the need of the hour and told the participants that new steps will be taken to boost investment opportunities and development projects. A unique strategy has been devised for ensuring social protection and the provision of healthcare and educational facilities to the citizens, he added.
The government is committed to promoting public welfare projects by implying a new approach as it is imperative to move forward with full dedication to ensure social protection of the people, the CM said. He directed that a report should be submitted at the earliest after reviewing the proposal of setting up of social protection fund. The initial document of Rise Punjab is a good effort in the backdrop of the prevailing scenario and priorities should be moulded according to the situation, he added. The CM directed to further improve the document and added that private investors will be encouraged under the public-private partnership. The public welfare projects will be started under the public-private partnership mode, he further said. Finance minister Hashim Jawan Bakht, Advisor Dr Salman Shah, Chief Secretary, Chairman P&D and others attended the meeting.
Separately, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has expressed a deep sense of sorrow over the death of former national boxing champion Abdul Sattar Khan and extended sympathies to the bereaved heirs. He prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with equanimity.
