ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that the government would remove the sense of deprivation and negligence in south Punjab, which remained mired in the backwardness due to alleged failure of the previous governments, disregard for the merit and inequitable distribution of resources. Talking to delegation of parliamentarians from Bahawalpur division led by National Assembly chief whip Malik Muhammad Amir Dogar, the prime minister maintained that protection of farmers’ rights and provision of education and health facilities would be ensured, a PM’s Office said in a statement. “The youth in the area would be equipped with skills and provided jobs which would be dawn of a new era of progress and prosperity in the whole province,” the statement quoted the premier as saying. Special Assistant to PM on Political Affairs Naeemul Haq was also present. The members included Muhammad Abdul Ghaffar Watto, Muhammad Farooq Azam Khan, Makhdoom Syed Samiul Hassan Gilani, Syed Mubeen Ahmed and Chaudhry Javed Iqbal. The prime minister told the delegation about steps being taken by the federal and provincial governments regarding provision of clean drinking water to people in south Punjab. He said the government was determined to empower the people at the grassroots level. The prime minister regretted that due to negligence of the previous governments, the country had been facing numerous social and economic challenges. Due to the efforts of the present government, the foreign investors and famous investment companies are now investing in Pakistan, he said, and expressed the optimism that in future, there would be an economically and socially stable and prosperous Pakistan. The prime minister also advised elected members to keep regular contacts with the people in their constituencies concerned so that their issues could be resolved immediately. The members expressed their gratitude to the prime minister for taking keen interest in the issues of south Punjab. They also appreciated the constitution of a committee by the prime minister, comprising members of the National Assembly at the divisional level. The committee would ensure resolution of local issues in consultation with local leadership and under the supervision of the provincial government in accordance with public expectations. Separately, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday directed the law minister to look into the lawyers’ demand of constituting Lahore High Court (LHC) bench in Faisalabad for speedy justice. These directives were issued by the PM while meeting a delegation of the lawyers from Faisalabad, who called on him at Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad. The lawyers apprised prime minister about difficulties being faced by the people of Faisalabad, having population of 200million, in pursuance of their legal matters. “The residents have to travel to Lahore for hearing of their cases,” the lawyers continued. On the occasion, Imran Khan directed Law Minister Faroogh Naseem and Attorney General of Pakistan Anwar Mansoor Khan to review demand of lawyers’ for formation of LHC’s bench in Faisalabad. “The top court and the stakeholders should be consulted into the matter,” the PM directed the law minister. Published in Daily Times, December 20th2018.