Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar undertook a sudden visit of various areas of Lahore without protocol.
He took round of different markets and main roads without security. Buzdar himself drove the vehicle and took stock of partial lockdown situation. He monitored latest situation relating to government steps being implemented by visiting Shahra-e-Awan-e-Tijarat, Shahra-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Shadman, Jail Road and other areas.
The CM stopped his vehicle at few check posts and commended police personnel for vigilantly performing their duties. He also viewed closure of different markets and bazaars. Usman Buzdar paid tributes to traders’ community for fully implementing government steps with regard to closing down markets and bazaars. He further complimented that trader community has performed its national duty by fully ensuring implementation on government decision in this hour of distress and difficulty. CM appreciated that law enforcement personnel are diligently performing their duties on roads, market places and bazaars. Usman Buzdar appealed to the masses to remain inside their homes so as to protect themselves from coronavirus and should not get out of their houses without genuine need or reason. CM also expressed his anger and displeasure over presence of extra traffic on few roads and directed concerned officials to convince citizens at check posts to confine to their houses for personal protection. He further maintained that undertaking such visits provide awareness about ground realities. Usman Buzdar underscored that government has taken preventive measures in order to safeguard lives of the masses. CM admired that Prime Minister Imran khan after taking into account ground realities and current situation has taken excellent decisions in the best interests of the country and nation. Usman Buzdar vowed that we are standing by the masses in this time of trial and tribulation and my every moment is devoted to save the masses from coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, Punjab Industries and Trade Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal called on Sardar Usman Buzdar at CM office in which matters pertaining to providing relief measures to the masses and mode of distributing financial assistance under Ramazan Relief Package came under discussion.
Usman Buzdar maintained that deserving persons will be provided direct fiscal aid in the holy month of Ramazan under Ramazan package and declared that Ramazan bazaars will not be set up in view of coronavirus pandemic. He asserted that indiscriminate stern action will be taken against hoarders and profiteers in the prevailing untoward situation. “I deem interests of my masses first and foremost as no one will be allowed to snatch the pockets of citizens”, he emphasized.
The CM directed Aslam Iqbal to launch indiscriminate crackdown against profiteers and hoarders as they deserve no let up. Those looting the masses under the garb of getting undue profits will find their abode behind the bars, he warned. He stressed that artificial hike in the prices of vegetables, fruits and pulses will not be tolerated at any cost. He further directed that prices and quality of essential edibles should be monitored regularly and their selling should also be ensured according to fixed price list. He asserted that no negligence will be tolerated with regard to implementation on price control mechanism.
Usman Buzdar vowed that we will take all possible steps to provide maximum relief to the masses. Provincial Industries and Trade Minister Aslam Iqbal apprised CM that Punjab government is undertaking effective steps for provision of relief to the common man. He further intimated Usman Buzdar that we have chalked out an effective plan in order to maintain stability in the prices of essential items during Ramazan-ul-Mubarik. He assured that those found involved in hoarding and profiteering will be brought in the grip of law and will also be dealt with sternly. news desk
