LAHORE: Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Dr Hassan Askari has approved the release of additional funds of Rs 7.44 crore for the treatment of needy patients. This amount will be utilised for free treatment of needy patients suffering from fatal diseases including cancer and transplantation of liver and kidney. Caretaker Punjab CM Hassan Askari said that these funds have been provided to fulfill the need of immediate treatment facilities to the disadvantaged patients and this act will heal the wounds of the ailing humanity. Treatment of patients is not a favour to anybody but the duty of every government. People have full right over the resources of the government and they will be given their rights, he added, saying that caretaker setup is striving for public service according to its given mandate. “Provision of necessary cooperation and support is essential for the treatment of needy patients and for that purpose, provision of funds is a priority agenda. Provision of healthcare and other facilities is a starting point of good governance and fulfillment of this agenda will be ensured within the given timeframe and efforts will be made to provide every possible relief to the people at every stage,” concluded the caretaker chief minister. Hassan Askari has expressed a deep sense of sorrow and grief over the passing of veteran diplomat and famous cricket commentator Jamsheed Marker. He has extended sympathies to the bereaved family and said that Jamsheed Marker earned a niche in the field of global diplomacy with his hard work, commitment and passion. He also earned fame in the field of sports commentary and his services will be remembered forever. Separately, Caretaker Provincial Minister for Labour, Human Resource, Livestock & Transport Nauman Kabir called on Caretaker CM Askari at the Chief Minister’s Office on Thursday. During the meeting, different administrative and departmental issues were discussed in detail. Talking on the occasion, CM Askari said that best arrangements will be made for holding free and fair elections in line with the directions of the Election Commission of Pakistan and all the government departments will play their proactive role for peaceful holding of upcoming elections. He said that all possible arrangements will be made for conducting the elections and the caretaker set up will fully utilise the available resources for free and fair elections. He said that protection of rights of labourers and industrial workers will be ensured across the province and added that provision of healthcare and educational facilities to them is part and parcel of governmental priorities. Giving due status to the labourers and other low-income families is the responsibility of the government, he added. He said that legal steps should be initiated to eradicate the exploitation of rights of brick-kiln workers. Similarly, steps should also be initiated for increasing the production of meat and milk by promoting livestock and targets of agricultural productivity can be achieved through different innovative livestock schemes. Nauman Kabir apprised the CM about performance of labour and human resource, livestock and transport departments. Published in Daily Times, June 22nd 2018.