Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said on Tuesday that the PTI government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, has taken timely and farsighted decisions to deal with the Covid-19 challenge.
"Now is the time to serve the people and politics should be avoided on Covid-19," the CM said in a statement.
The CM maintained that "coronaviruses of corruption" are even doing politics on this serious issue. He advised the opposition parties to realise facts of this pandemic as there is enough time for politics in future.
Buzdar was of the view that opposition is only making point-scoring on Covid-19 issue and those who are making tall claims have not done anything practical. Opposition parties have been isolated and have also left the people alone, he added. The negative role being played by the opposition during coronavirus has become a part of history and the Pakistani nation will never forgive the negative political players.
Inaugurating the 'cities' cleanliness and municipal services improvement programme' of the local government department at a ceremony held at Race Course Park, the CM handed over 24 mini tippers to Deputy Commissioner Sialkot and gave 12 mini tippers to DC Sahiwal.
He also inspected modern sewerage safety van and announced to provide funds for giving these vans to every city to protect the lives of the sewermen. He stated that steps have been taken to develop the standard of municipal services and provision of latest machinery has been started to improve the waste management system in Sahiwal and Sialkot. He disclosed that 1088 vehicles and required equipment will be provided to Sialkot with an amount of Rs592 million. Similarly, 942 vehicles and other machinery will be provided to Sahiwal with a sum of Rs293 million, he added.
The Asian Development Bank has provided financial assistance to the Punjab government for this program which includes waste management, water supply, disposal and provision of clean drinking water, he added.
Moreover, the CM Usman Buzdar chaired a meeting, which reviewed the progress on wheat procurement campaign. The meeting was informed that the Punjab government has purchased 3.25 million metric ton wheat and more than 91 per cent gunny bags have also been distributed in the farmers.
The chief minister stated that a total of 3.5 million and 10 thousand metric ton wheat is available in government warehouses and around 73 percent of wheat procurement target has been achieved. He affirmed that the Punjab government will continue wheat procurement till achieving the target. The CM directed to achieve this target at any cost to ensure food security for unusual circumstances. An emergency situation is being faced due to coronavirus pandemic and unusual steps will have to be taken keeping in view the prevailing situation, he said.
Furthermore, the CM has sought performance report from the provincial ministers within 15 days and a formal letter has also been issued from Principal Secretary to CM in this regard.
Provincial ministers have also been directed to formulate performance report of their respective departments and thereafter submit it to CM Office.