New province only solution to problems of Southern Punjab: PM

RECORDER REPORT

MULTAN: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday said formation of Seraiki province is the only solution to the problems of the people of this area.

He was addressing a public meeting in Ali Pur after inaugurating gas supply scheme in the area.

"Seraiki province is the only solution to the problems being faced by the people of the areas as you will have your own Assembly, Chief Minister and Courts," he said.

He said, "Some elements are against us because they knew that if we will remain in the government we will take the decision to form Seraiki province."     

Gilani said: "It is my honour that I am the first Prime Minister to address public meeting here in this area." He said this area belongs to his forefather as they remained associated with this place and even won the elections with the support of the local people.

"We have very strong relations with you due to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto who scarified their lives for the rights of the people," he added. The Prime Minister said Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto gave self respect, honour, dignity and voice to the masses and gave one person one vote.

He said many leaders are now coming here for seeking votes from the people and it was made possible due to the rights of vote given by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to the common man.

Gilani said the next fifth budget of the government, will have incentives for the masses and there will be a programme to resolve energy crisis and creation of 100,000 jobs for the jobless people.

He said the farmers will also get more relief in the next budget for improving agriculture production.

He said his elders got elected from the same area in the past, therefore, he could not ignore this area. He assured that Rs 1.38 billion gas project that has been completed and he inaugurated it on Saturday (yesterday) will provide benefit to a large number of areas in Southern Punjab which was a long standing demand of the people.

Referring to demand regarding declaring Ali Pur Jatoi as tax free zone, he assured to take final decision on this proposal after due discussion with concerned departments.     

He also announced Rs 100 million for the construction of roads and assured to construct bridge in the area.

The prime minister said roads, hospitals and educational institutions damaged in the last floods will be completed by the federal government and assured that the river bunds would also be strengthened.

He also announced financial assistance for each of the Ali Pur Press Club and Jatoi Press Club. He also announced two buses for the local colleges.

He directed the PASSCO to increase the quota of wheat procurement from the area.

Gilani announced to set up Information Technology Campus in Ali Pur. He appreciated the contribution of Qayyum Jatoi to remained associated with the party and work for the people of the area.

Minister of State Moazzam Jatoi, former federal minister Qayyum Jatoi and member of National Assembly Jamshed Dasti also spoke on the occasion.