Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar presided over a meeting at his office on Sunday, which decided to launch a new programme for the provision of basic facilities to the people of urban as well as rural areas. The chief minister, while giving approval to the programme, said that Rs 25 billion would be spent on the programme which would improve sanitation, sewer and clean drinking water systems in cities and villages. Dysfunctional water supply and sewer schemes would be made functional and machinery would be purchased to improve sanitation, he added. The chief minister directed the officials concerned to sort out issues for early implementation of the programme. He said he wants development of every city and village and more funds have been allocated for backward areas in the current budget. The people would be given their rights by providing them basic facilities, he added. The Chief Secretary, Planning and Development Chairman, Communications secretary, principal secretary to chief minister, Law secretary, Local Government secretary, Finance special secretary, Information secretary, head of Special Monitoring Unit and other officers concerned attended the meeting. Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said that Pakistan lost its track because of the wrong policies of the previous rulers who are culprits of the nation. The nation suffered because of their sham projects. He said the previous rulers amassed wealth while people were deprived of their basic needs and their real problems were neglected. The chief minister said the PTI government is rectifying the mistakes of the previous regimes. He said Pakistan is on its track under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said new Pakistan is the country of common people and its resources are sacred trust of the people. Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar also felicitated the nation on Eidul Azha. In his message, he said it is the occasion of happiness and sacrifice and it is our religious and moral obligation to share joys with the destitute on this occasion. He said becoming source of happiness for orphans and the poor is the real message of Eid. He said, “We should also remember our Kashmiri brethren who are facing atrocities of Indian forces and offering sacrifices for independence. Their eyes are injured with pellets but still they are looking for freedom.” The chief minister said that Modi’s unconstitutional and immoral step has deprived Kashmiris of the happiness of Eidul Azha. He said Modi’s government has tried to usurp rights of Kashmiris and violated human rights by scrapping article 370. “I salute the Kashmiris for their struggle and sacrifices and the time is near when Kashmiris will be free and part of Pakistan,” he added. He said, “We also have to pay tributes to the brave soldiers of the Pakistan Army who are offering sacrifices for the motherland and we have a collective responsibility to show solidarity with their families.” He said there is a need to shun differences and promote love and brotherhood. He said Eidul Azha gives a message of sacrifice, selflessness, brotherhood and unity. He said, “We have to make a resolve on this day that we would help and serve the suffering humanity.” Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, in his message on International Youth Day, said that the youth has an important role to play in the new Pakistan, they play an important role in the development of a country. He said country’s major portion consists of youth and the PTI would empower them in real sense. He said Pakistani youth is talented and they have proved their mettle on several occasions name of country. The nation has great expectations from them. He said that the objectives of new Pakistan would be achieved by giving them opportunities and resources resulting in their empowerment. Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said that role of minorities could not be condoned in the development and progress of Pakistan. The minorities enjoy equal rights in new Pakistan and they are being given equal opportunities to achieve progress. In his message on Minorities Day, the chief minister said Pakistan’s constitution protects rights of minorities and protection of their rights is part of PTI manifesto.