Daily Times

Sardar Usman Buzdar has extended his warm welcome over the visit of Saudi Crown Prince to Pakistan and said that this visit will be historical which will reshape the relationships of both countries. In a statement today, CM Punjab said that visit of Price Muhammad Bin Salman will be a milestone to strengthen economic relation between both countries and a new era will be started with enormous projects and MOUs being signed at this moment. He said that long term benefits will be achieved by this visit as investment of billion dollars by Saudi Arabia is not only important of economic development but as well. Agreements of both countries in different sectors will expedite the voyage of progress and this tremendous package of investment will strengthen Pakistan economically. He said that love and support of Saudi government and people is highly regarded and people of Pakistan warmly welcome their distinguished guests.

Afterwards, despite the holiday, a high level meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Punjab, Sardar Usman Buzdar regarding Anti-Polio Campaign. The meeting reviewed in detail the reasons of polio care in Lahore and future strategy for it. Chief Minister expressed his displeasure over it as well as positive environmental sample at Rawalpindi and Faisalabad and said that there are alarming situations and not tolerable at any cost. He directed concerned authorities to devise comprehensive plans for anti-polio campaign and that he will not tolerate any negligence in this regard. Children are our future and saving them from polio is our responsibility, he said and added further that just meeting and speeches will not be enough but concerned departments will have to show results with coordinated efforts. Chief Minister said that decision made in meeting to be implemented with full zeal and zest likewise awareness campaign to be launched at earliest. Special steps should be taken to ensure that children at entry and exit points of Lahore, bus stops and railway stations are vaccinated. He said that our aim is to made not only Punjab but whole Pakistan a polio-free zone and that he himself will monitor this campaign. Punjab government will play its role to eradicate polio and concerned departments have to work round the clock. Chief Minister further added that Chief Secretary will chair review meeting weekly and he will take a meeting monthly. He directed that opt all out resources to make Pakistan polio free. He said that saving children from polio is our responsibility and future of our children is most important for us. Teams of Health Department should ensure that every child is vaccinated properly. It was being briefed in the meeting that a child of 09 years at Bajaur was confirmed of polio virus. It was reviewed that age for vaccination to be increased and decision was made to that suggestions to be seek from National Polio Team to mark age upto 10 years and necessary steps to be taken in this regard. It was also decided to improve sewerage system at outfall road and WASA sub division to be established there which will solve the issue of drainage. Chief Minister also directed that provision of clean drinking water in this area to be ensured.

A high level meeting was chaired by chief minister Punjab regarding anti-polio campaign

Deputy Commissioner Lahore presented report of polio case at Shalimar Town Lahore at meeting. Chief Minister was briefed that child who fell prey of polio virus was not given zero does however he was vaccinated in routine campaign. Meeting reviewed in detail the measurements to eradicate polio. The meeting was attended by Provincial Ministers Health Dr. Yasmeen Rashid, Housing Mahmood-ur-Rasheed, Information Fiaz-ul-Hassan Chohan, School Education Murad Raas, Chief Secretary, PM Focal Person for polio program Babar Bin Atta, Secretary Local Government, Secretary Information, Commissioner Lahore division, Secretary School Education, Secretary Primary and Secondary Health, Secretary Housing, Commissioner Faisalabad division, spokesman CM Punjab Dr. Shehbaz Gill, experts from WHO, DC Lahore, DG Health Service Punjab and other concerned officials.

In addition, Chief Minister has accorded approval to upgrade Police Training Institute Multan. Training Institute will be upgraded to college and CM also extended his approval to upgrade the post of Principal of Institute to the post of commandant. The 18 grade post of Principal has been upgraded to the 20 grade DIG/commandant. CM has approved summary in this regard.

Moreover, Balochistan Minister for Trade and Industry Muhammad Khan called on Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar. Matters of mutual interest and promotion of inter-province harmony were discussed in the meeting. While conversing at this moment, Sardar Usman Buzdar said that Baluchistan is very close to my heart and people over there are my bothers. Our sorrows and happiness is common and Punjab will surely play its compelling role for the development of Baluchistan. Although Baluchistan was neglected in past, the PTI government is vigilant for its development and progress. We are working together for new Pakistan and a common man here will cherish same facilities as that of a rich man. He said that we altogether will form new Pakistan and role of Baluchistan is this regard is remarkable. CM said that they will cooperate to setup Cardiology Centre at Baluchistan and we will move forward altogether of developments and progress of Pakistan. He said that inter-province harmony, brotherhood and unity will be promoted as coordinated efforts to make Pakistan developed are the need of hour.

In addition, Sardar Usman Buzdar has taken notice of the incident of collapse of swing in the area of Lodhran within jurisdiction of Thana Saddar Kahror Pakka. CM has sought report from Deputy Commissioner and DPO Lodhran and ordered for investigation of this incident. He directed to take strict legal action against those who were responsible of this incident. CM has expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the loss of precious life of a young boy. While commiserating with the bereaved family, he prayed eternal peace for departed soul and patience for lamenting family to bear this loss with fortitude.

Published in Daily Times, February 18^th 2019.