Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said that labour class will get real and substantial relief from the economic package of the PTI government.
We will undergo all sorts of stress and strain in order to provide maximum relief to the poor segment and effectively cope up with coronavirus, he added. We believe in undertaking practical steps instead of making oral calculations. He lamented that coronavirus pandemic has badly affected daily wage earners.
Usman Buzdar said that PTI government has always given preference in ensuring the wellbeing of common man and poor segment of society. He further maintained that it is our first and foremost priority as well as responsibility to take care of the labour class owing to distressing conditions prevailing on account of coronavirus. PTI government will fully perform all its obligations by deeming its national duty, he stated.
Common man will be benefitted from the exemption of paying provincial taxes amounting to rupees 18 billion and Punjab government will undertake all out steps so as to save the masses from the detrimental economic effects, he stressed. Usman Buzdar further vowed that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan we are fully prepared to cope up with coronavirus pandemic challenge. We are taking each and every step for its complete eradication and have devoted our all-out energies as well as endeavours to protect and safeguard the lives of masses. We are providing best treatment and healthcare facilities to the affected patients and quarantine centres have also been increased across the province, concluded Usman Buzdar.
Meanwhile, Usman Buzdar directed to undertake all necessary measures to bring stability in the prices of essential edibles including flour and further directed that provision of essential commodities and flour should be ensured at fixed rates at any cost. We will fully protect and safeguard the interests of the people during current turbulent situation, he added. Usman Buzdar directed to launch crackdown against hoarders and illegal profiteers. He also ordered that an indiscriminate stern action should be taken against them according to law. Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners after launching crackdown against them should submit their reports to the CM office. He asserted that all administrative powers will be exercised for ensuring the provision of essential items to the people at fixed rates and any undue hike in the prices of essential edibles will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Usman Buzdar emphasized that we will also initiate all possible steps to ensure provision of relief to the masses as it is our mutual responsibility as well as duty. An effective implementation on price control mechanism should also be ensured, he directed. He further lamented that those elements indulging into price-hike are not only culprits under the law but of society also. I will myself monitor the steps being taken for ensuring price control and will not allow anyone to exploit masses of the province, concluded Usman Buzdar.
Also, Usman Buzdar on Sunday has met Governor Chaudhry Sarwar and discussed coronavirus situation in the province.
During the meeting, CM and governor have expressed determination to jointly curb the deadly coronavirus from the country and pledged to use all the resources to save the people from this pandemic.
Meanwhile, both the leaders have also advised the masses to stay at their houses. CM Buzdar and Governor Sarwar also deliberated on the steps taken by the government to prevent the spread of outbreak in the country. Moreover, both the leaders have left for Bani Gala to attend key meeting.
Separately, Usman Buzdar has said that “Punjab Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Ordinance 2020” has been promulgated which will enable Government of Punjab to take all necessary measures to prevent and protect public from the dangerous coronavirus.
On his Twitter account, CM Buzdar said that the ordinance has been promulgated keeping in view the emergency situation in Punjab. He also tweeted important points of the ordinance.
According to the ordinance, if the epidemic spreads, private doctors and hospitals can be ordered to treat patients of the epidemic. The government can impose any kind of ban anywhere including banning people from sending their children to schools or gatherings. The government will also have the authority to make decisions about burial and transportation of dead bodies of the patients.
Ordinance further empowers the government to impose sanctions on various festivals and gatherings. The ordinance allows the government to close any premises and stop entry and exit at place. The Deputy Commissioner shall have the authority to restrict any type of movement in certain areas for a specified period, transfer any sick or infectious person to specific places.
Government will also be allowed to screen masses anywhere. Every citizen is responsible to report ill people to certified medical officers and penalties will be imposed in case of non-implementation.
Violation of any clause will result in two months imprisonment and fine of Rs50,000. Violation of more than one clause will lead to six months imprisonment and fine of Rs0.1 million. A fine of up to Rs0.2 million will be imposed on an institution for first time violation.
For patients receiving treatment at a quarantine center or some other facility, first escape attempt will lead to six months imprisonment and a fine of 50,000. A second escape attempt will lead to an 18 months imprisonment and fine of up to Rs0.1 million. Meanwhile, Usman Buzdar has expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the death of former Pakistani squash player Azam Khan in Great Britain. Usman Buzdar in his condolence message expressed his heartfelt sympathies and prayed that Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace as well as grant fortitude to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss. Usman Buzdar paid rich tributes to his services in the field of sports and further complimented that late Azam Khan was an eminent squash player who earned name and fame for Pakistan by winning laurels across the globe.
