Qureshi, Buzdar vow to make S Punjab Secretariat fully functional

LAHORE: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar in a meeting, here Saturday decided to take prompt administrative steps to make Southern Punjab Secretariat fully functional.

Usman Buzdar said that secretaries of different departments will soon be posted in Southern Punjab Secretariat and these secretaries will be fully empowered. This Secretariat will be given administrative and financial autonomy so that affairs related to Multan, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan Divisions can be dealt with locally, the CM said.

Matters of mutual interest, political situation and Southern Punjab Secretariat's affairs came under discussion during the meeting.

While giving approval in principle for setting up of 100-bed Mother & Child Hospital in Multan, the CM said that this hospital will be established on the old building of Ghalla Mandi. He directed to resolve issues related to WASA and sewerage immediately.

Talking on the occasion, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the PTI government is fulfilling all its promises made to the people of South Punjab. He said that establishment of Southern Punjab Secretariat will provide relief to the people and apart from improving the governance, their problems will be solved at the grassroots level.

Usman Buzdar said that the Pakistani nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan has highlighted Indian atrocities on Kashmiris at all levels. One road in every division of Punjab, including Lahore, will be named Srinagar.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that Pakistan is incomplete without Kashmir. Modi has orchestrated Muslims' genocide in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Indian government has set a new history of oppression on Kashmiris.

Moreover, the CM has taken notice of the death of a 4-year-old minor in Shafiqabad due to sharp kite string and sought a report from CCPO Lahore. He has ordered departmental and legal action against the responsible. The CM has paid tribute to the bravery and courage of Shaheed Police Constable Ashraf who was shot dead by dacoits in Mandi Faizabad.

The chief minister said that we salute the sacrifice of Shaheed constables. Shaheed Constable Ashraf is the pride of Punjab Police and Punjab government is standing beside his family in this time of trial.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020