LAHORE: Notables and workers from Dera Ghazi Khan called on Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar at the CM Office on Saturday. Talking to them, Sardar Usman Buzdar said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government aims to change the destiny of all poor areas of Punjab and special attention will be paid on the provision of education and health facilities in these areas. He said the people will be relieved after the completion of 100 days, adding that the irrigation system will be improved and farmers will be given facilities. He said South Punjab will be made a separate province as per vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and tourism will also be promoted in South Punjab. Usman Buzdar said the new local government system would reflect public aspirations and needs and local government representatives would be empowered in true meaning. He said the new LG system was being introduced to resolve public problems at their doorsteps. A system of check and balance would be introduced in local government institutions and transparency would be ensured at any cost. He said such a system would be made that would resolve public problems at the lowest level. He said new LG system would do away with status quo and the new LG system would be the system of the people and that system would ultimately empower them. Senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan and local government secretary gave a briefing on the system. Provincial ministers, senior officials and secretaries attended the meeting. Buzdar congratulated the Pakistani cricket team for its victory against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup. He said victory against Afghanistan has given new determination to Pakistani cricket team after defeat against India and said team work shown in the match against Afghanistan should be maintained. Buzdar expressed grief and sorrow over the death of a youth of Begum Kot because of a kite string in the Bhatti Gate area of Lahore. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Directing investigation into the incident, the CM sought a report from Deputy Inspector General Operations. He said violation of ban on kite flying is very condemnable. Action should be taken against those who are responsible for negligence. He said the law banning kite flying should be implemented at any cost and indiscriminate action should be taken against violators. Buzdar also visited the central control room established at civil secretariat as well as the head office of Punjab Safe City Authority at Qurban Lines. The CM expressed satisfaction over arrangements made by the Punjab government as best technology was utilised to run a composite surveillance system. The security forces were fully active to fail the nefarious designs of the enemy and aerial surveillance was also done through helicopters. He said that police and administration has fully implemented the devised security plan and remained alert until peaceful dismemberment of the processions and majalis. He said that action should be continued against those making provocative speeches and indiscriminate action should also be initiated against the printing and publication of objectionable material. The CM was told in a briefing that around 2,800 processions and 2,100 majalis were held on Friday in Punjab and 215,000 police officers and officials were deputed for their security. Army and rangers were also called in to provide necessary assistance. Along with them, 10,000 officers and jawans of Army and 1,900 Rangers are available to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. The Punjab government also acquired four helicopters, he was further told. He said that scope of Safe City Project will be extended to divisional level and added that DG Khan will be given preference as it is aptly situated between three provinces. He also directed to make a plan in this regard. Provincial ministers Raja Basharat, Mian Aslam Iqbal, chief secretary and others accompanied him. Published in Daily Times, September 23rd 2018.