LAHORE: A delegation of All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) called on Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Wednesday. The delegation was led by APNS General Secretary Syed Sarmad Ali. During the meeting, a discussion was held with regard to solution of problems being faced by the newspapers industry. Talking to the delegation, Punjab CM Sardar Usman Buzdar said that provision of relief and facilities to people is our mission. Less-developed areas will be developed on priority basis and further development of developed areas will continue. He said that a new example of public service will be set up as the government is ready to work day and night. “My team is committed and hardworking and we will deliver by the grace of Almighty Allah,” he said, adding that guidance will be taken from media and steps will be taken to solve the problems of the newspaper industry. He further said that establishment of a Journalists Academy in Punjab will be reviewed and a close liaison will be maintained with media in future as well. APNS delegation congratulated Sardar Usman Buzdar on assuming the post of chief minister and general secretary Syed Sarmad Ali said that it is hoped that government-press relations will be further promoted. Provincial Minister for Information Fiazul Hasan Chauhan, Federal Adviser Iftikhar Durani, Political Adviser Chaudhry Muhammad Akram, Punjab information secretary and others were present on the occasion. A high-level meeting was separately held at the CM’s office with Usman Buzdar in the chair. The meeting held a detailed review of steps taken for the protection of life and property of the people in wake of upcoming month of Muharram, adoption of anti-dengue measures and tree plantation campaigns. Maintenance of a peaceful atmosphere during Muharram should be ensured at every cost and better security arrangements should be made during this month than previous years. Control rooms should be established at provincial, divisional, district and tehsil levels. He said that strict action will be initiated against provocative speeches and all-out efforts should be made to maintain peace. He said that every possible step should be made to further promote religious harmony during Muharram and added that rule of law will be ensured at every cost in the province. He further said that every possible step should be initiated for safety from dengue and high-quality sprays should be used to eradicate dengue larvae. No phony show would be tolerated in this regard, he added. The CM said that a green Pakistan is the agenda of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), therefore, tree plantation drive should be made a success. Maximum trees should be planted by following the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa model, he added. ACS (Home) gave a detailed briefing regarding security arrangements during Muharram while inspector general police apprised the meeting about the arrangements made by the Punjab police. US Consul General Colleen Elizabeth Crenwelge also called on Buzdar at his office. Both of them congratulated each other on taking charge of their new posts. During the meeting, various matters of mutual interest including expansion of bilateral cooperation in different sectors and development of social sector came under discussion. Talking on the occasion, the CM said that Pakistan-United States relations span over many decades and both the countries have remained partners in the war against terrorism. The menace of terrorism has become an international nuisance and Pakistan has rendered invaluable sacrifices in its war against terrorism. He said that people have voted for change and are striving for complete transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said a committee has been constituted by the PTI government for setting up the southern Punjab province. Meanwhile, powers will be devolved at the grassroots of local bodies’ institutions so that they may perform in the real sense. Cooperation with the US will also be promoted to develop the social sector, concluded the CM. The American Consul General said that partnership with the Punjab government will be extended for social sector development and hoped that this partnership would be further strengthened with the PTI government. “Pakistan is a wonderful country and I am feeling happy to be here,” she concluded. Punjab Rangers Director General Major Azhar Naveed Hayat called on Buzdar at his office. He congratulated the CM over the new assignment and extended good wishes to him. The CM paid tributes to the glorious services of officers and jawans of Rangers for maintaining peace and protection of national borders. He said that services of Rangers are praiseworthy for improving the law and order situation and protection of national defense. Dera Ghazi Khan district council has approved a consensus resolution in favour of Buzdar. Published in Daily Times, August 30th 2018.