Daily Times

LAHORE: Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Hassan Askari has said that the interim government is completely impartial.

He said that we neither have nor would have any political agenda.

Caretaker Punjab CM Hassan Askari expressed these views while talking to Caretaker Provincial Minister for Industry, Trade & Investment, Irrigation, Mines & Zakat Anjum Nisar who called on him at CM Office on Friday.

Hassan Askari said that holding of general elections in a transparent manner will be ensured by remaining totally impartial and “our performance will be a clear proof of the government’s complete neutrality. All the concerned departments will have to perform their duties in an efficient and dutiful manner to ensure free, fair and transparent elections”, he added.

He said that in this regard, the responsibility of holding the elections will have to be performed in the best of manner by utilising every sort of resources.

Askari observed that development of industrial sector on modern lines is pivotal to strengthen the national economy and added that issues like unemployment and poverty can be solved by promoting industry, trade and investment related opportunities. All these sectors are very pivotal for rebuilding and development of the country, he added.

He said that the industrial sector plays an important role in the strengthening of national economy along with the provision of employment opportunity to the youth and with the establishment of new industries. Many more employment related activities are generated which benefit the national economy in a number of ways, he added.

The caretaker chief minister directed that steps should be initiated so that industrial sector could follow labour laws and give attention to water treatment and other rules and regulations. Implementation of relevant rules and regulations is the responsibility of the line departments as well as the concerned administration. Similarly, implementation on environmental laws should also be ensured and concerned agencies should work with diligence and hard work.

He said that trade and economic activities are increased due to investment in the country and new employment opportunities are created. Meanwhile, investment is also useful to overcome issues like poverty and unemployment, he added.

Askari said that provision of a conducive atmosphere to the investors is very important to motivate foreign investors.

“If investors are provided a suitable atmosphere for investment, the trend of investment will be boosted and national economy will be further strengthened,” he maintained.

The caretaker CM said that the situation of law and order is an important factor for strengthening of national economy as trade and investment related activities are invariably increased in the country.

“Necessary steps will be taken for providing relief to the people while remaining within our mandate,” he concluded.

Published in Daily Times, June 23^rd 2018.