ISLAMABAD: The South Punjab Secretariat will formally become operational on October 15, as decided by a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan here on Friday.

The meeting on establishment and working of South Punjab Secretariat was attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar, Finance Minister Punjab Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht, Chief Secretary Punjab, Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab and Additional Inspector General South Punjab joined through video-link.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the government's main focus was to bring about improvement in the lives of common man and directed the administration of South Punjab to work in fulfilling the same vision.

He lauded efforts of Chief Minister Buzdar and the Punjab government for establishment of South Punjab Secretariat, and said solid steps reflected PTI government's will to implement its manifesto in letter and spirit.

He regretted that governments in the past ignored the genuine issue of the people of South Punjab. Stressing on the need for Provincial Finance Commission Award, the Prime Minister said separate allocation for South Punjab would usher in a new era of progress and prosperity.

Imran Khan directed to complete process of devolution of power phase-wise to ensure smooth running of administrative procedures. He asked to keep him regularly updated on the progress of the working of new Secretariat.

Foreign Minister Qureshi highlighted the practical steps taken by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in accordance with the aspirations of people of southern Punjab, establishment of South Punjab Secretariat, devolution of administrative powers, ending sense of deprivation and resolving problems at their doorsteps.