CM highlights caretaker setup achievements

LAHORE:Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi delivered a keynote address on Friday to the participants of the Air War College Institute course at Alhamra Hall.

In his address, Mohsin Naqvi expressed unwavering optimism about the future of Pakistan, dismissing pessimism and affirming the nation's upward trajectory. Quoting the Holy Qur'an, he said that despair is a sin, emphasising the importance of maintaining hope for the prosperity of future generations.

Reflecting on the past 10 months of the caretaker setup in Punjab, he highlighted a resolute decision to tackle the circular debt of wheat, which had surpassed Rs600 billion. He reported substantial achievements in agriculture, including an increased area under cotton cultivation, resulting in saving three billion dollars in foreign exchange. Rice cultivation witnessed a remarkable 100% growth, contributing a total of 2 billion dollars. Mohsin Naqvi announced significant savings in Safe City projects in Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi. Despite an initial budget of Rs100 billion, these projects are being executed at a cost of Rs12.5 billion.

He mentioned the ongoing rapid upgradation of 100 hospitals in Punjab. He assured that the incoming government would continue the ongoing initiatives. The CM praised the Air Chief's focus on education and technology, acknowledging unprecedented contributions to these sectors. He said the Punjab Police's substantial control over 95 percent of the area in Kacha over the last 10 months, successfully clearing 60,000 acres from robbers.

The CM answered questions from the course participants. Air Vice Marshal Hussain Ahmed Siddiqui praised the Punjab government's welfare projects. Participants in the Air War College Institute course included officers from Pakistan Air Force, Navy, Army, representatives from Nigeria, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, and other countries.