Prime Minister Imran Khan Friday said that Pakistan’s tough days will be over soon as the government is making continuous efforts for systemic reforms besides social welfare and national development.
“No doubt the people are faced with high inflation including increase in gas and power tariffs … the nation will have to go through tough time as the government is struggling to reform the whole system and reduce the foreign debts by increasing revenues,” the prime minister said while addressing a ceremony to re-launch the halted construction work of Mother and Child Hospital. “Nations experience ups and downs in their journeys. Once the system is rectified, you will realize how blessed your country is. Be assured, tough days will be over … Pakistan will sail through difficult times and will emerge as a great nation,” he hoped.
The prime minister said all this happened after the national institutions were left under debt burden. He said the government inherited debt worth Rs 30,000 billion on the country, Rs 1,300 billion debt on power sector and Rs 150 billion on the gas sector.
Referring to the launch of landmark poverty alleviation program, health insurance facility for the poor, shelter homes, housing for low-income group and business loans for the youth, the prime minister said the government is inculcating a new thinking in the society. He said the fulfillment of basic human needs represents a real government. He said from the very first day, the government has strived to reform the existing healthcare facilities besides establishing the new ones.
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and Housing Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema were also present on the occasion.
The prime minister lauded the dedication of the railways minister to get the construction of the hospital completed that has been facing delay since 2005. He said besides Punjab government, the national health taskforce will fully support the project.
According to Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid, the Mother and Child Hospital is a state-of-the-art hospital which has 200 beds and will be equipped with the latest gadgets. He said the hospital currently has 11 modern operation theatres which will be increased to 17. He further said there was a dire need for the Mother and Child Hospital to be functional as soon as possible so that the rush on three government hospitals could decrease. He also thanked former chief justice Mian Saqib Nisar who had directed to initiate Mother and Child Hospital project in the best interest of the public.
Separately, while chairing a meeting regarding Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the year 2019-20, Prime Minister Imran Khan said the development of less-developed and backward areas is the top priority of the government. He said the process of economic development cannot complete until the backward areas are not brought at par with the developed parts of the country.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Planning Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Advisor on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Finance Secretary Younas Dagha, Secretary Planning Commission Zafar Hassan and high officials.
The prime minister was given a briefing about the new projects being initiated in the next financial year under the PSDP and completion of ongoing projects. He was told that according to the government vision, in the next fiscal year special attention will be given to the development of backward areas. The meeting was told that promotion of in-knowledge economy, agriculture, energy sector and less developed areas of the country specifically Balochistan, South Punjab, merged tribal areas is the top most priority of the government.
The prime minister directed to start work on a comprehensive plan for Karachi with consultation of the provincial and federal governments. He said promotion of economy knowledge is a must for economic development so that abilities of youth could be utilized. He also stressed the need for introducing innovation and modern technology in the agriculture sector.
He said various projects were started in the past under the PSDP, but due to weak planning those could not bring the desired results and benefits for the people. He directed the minister for planning to give special focus on completion and viability of projects initiated under the PSDP.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Brig (r) Ijaz Shah on Friday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at the PM Office, a statement issued here by the PM Office said. Important national matters were discussed during the meeting.