Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has deplored the politicising of coronavirus pandemic by the opposition, saying that it made a futile attempt to politicise this important issue.
In a statement issued here on Monday, the CM said that the Pakistani nation will never forgive those engaged in negative politics and advised the opposition leaders to realise that people cannot be served through hollow slogans. One has to stand with them to serve humanity, he added. The CM asserted that PTI leadership did not leave the people alone during this pandemic. On the other hand, opposition leaders are limited to issuing statements while leaving the people alone in this difficult movement, he said. The CM regretted that the opposition parties have proved that they only want to protect personal interests while it is the time to rise above petty politics and stand united on this national issue. The coronavirus has, altogether, changed the whole world but the negative politics of opposition has remained unchanged, he maintained and added that opposition’s attempt to divide the nation is deplorable.
The CM regretted that opposition parties have done nothing to help overcome coronavirus except lip-service. It, rather, tried to divide the people, instead of standing with them. The negative role being played by opposition in the prevailing circumstances is condemnable, he maintained. The CM reiterated that opposition has no agenda to deal with coronavirus and its politics, on this important issue, is not in the interest of the nation. He emphasised that nation needs unity and brotherhood than ever before and added that PTI leadership understands the agony of the vulgus. The government is fully committed to overcoming the coronavirus pandemic and public service will be steadfastly continued in this difficult moment, the CM concluded.
Meanwhile, Usman Buzdar paid tributes to the role played by the firefighters and said that firefighters protect the people by putting their lives in danger.
In a message, the CM said that role of firefighters is very important to overcome the possible damages of life and property during incidents of fire. It is the need of the hour to provide the latest training to firefighters as their professional training helps in overcoming the potential losses, he added. He told that sufficient resources are being provided to improve the training standards and performance of firefighters and added that the scope of Rescue 1122 has been extended to grassroots. We also pay tributes to firefighters who lost their lives while performing their duties and, today, we should make a commitment to exploit collective efforts to overcome the incidents of fire, the CM added.
Separately, Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has taken notice of complaints about the provision of substandard and expensive foodstuff to the quarantined passengers in different hotels and directed the Commissioner Lahore and Punjab Food Authority to investigate this matter. He said that a report be submitted to him adding that legal action be taken against the responsible persons. He directed that quality food be provided to the passengers at suitable rates and made it clear that hotels cannot be allowed to give expensive and substandard food to the quarantined passengers. Solving their problems is my responsibility and legal action will be initiated against those responsible for providing substandard food at expensive rates, he warned.
It may be added here that quarantined passengers submitted complaints about substandard and overpriced meals provided to them in hotels during Sehr and Iftar.
