LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered an acceleration of the crackdown on electricity thieves and sought a report with accurate data about electricity theft.
While chairing a special meeting to review issues and actions taken to curb electricity theft in Punjab on Monday, the chief minister said: “Present a comprehensive report on electricity theft based on more authentic data.”
Maryam was briefed by the chief secretary and IGP on the ongoing crackdown against electricity thieves in the province. They stated: “As many as 660 police officers are assisting in the campaign against electricity thieves in each district.”
They also submitted a report on electricity distribution companies, including LESCO. Stipend for Special Persons: “Special people are very dear to us. We will help them in every possible manner,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz while chairing a special meeting to review the Chief Minister Himmat Card Project.
She increased the monthly stipend for special persons from Rs6,000 to Rs7,500 and ordered that the stipend be given for three years in the first phase. She said, “About 30,000 special people will get a monthly stipend of Rs7,500 for three years.”
The chief minister also ordered the running of an awareness campaign about the provision of wheelchairs. She said, “Needy people can use the helpline of the Chief Minister’s Office at 0800-02345 to register themselves for wheelchairs.” She added, “Special persons will also be given 14 types of assistive devices in the second phase.”
The chief minister highlighted, “Wheelchairs, hearing aids, tricycles, Braille and other devices will be provided to make the life of special persons easier.” She said, “Subsidised public transport facilities and loans will also be given to special persons in a phased manner.”
Meanwhile, the CM met members of national and provincial assemblies from different districts. She said, “Every sector including health and education is my priority.” She added, “For the first time, attention is being paid to mobilise and activate social welfare for bringing ease in the lives of special persons.”
The chief minister said: “Revamping of all 2800 BHUs and RHCs of Punjab will be completed soon.” She added, “The prices of all food items including flour, sugar, ghee, and pulses will be reduced further.”
She said, “A significant reduction in the price of oil will give further relief to the people of Punjab.” She added, “Punjab’s first air ambulance service will be launched soon.” The chief minister highlighted, “Home delivery of free medicines for patients suffering from deadly diseases like cancer has been started.”
She said, “At Rs8 billion, an anti-smog programme is being started to eliminate environmental pollution.” The visiting assembly members appreciated Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for launching remarkable public welfare projects. They paid tribute to her efforts for the gradual reduction of inflation.