CM opens six uplift projects in DG Khan

LAHORE : Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday inaugurated six pivotal development projects in Dera Ghazi Khan and laid the foundation stone for an e-registration centre.

Commencing his visit, Naqvi inaugurated the DG Khan Institute of Cardiology, upgraded Sadar Police Station, Police Protection Centre, Misaq Centre, and three connecting roads within the city.

Formally inaugurating the DG Khan Institute of Cardiology, Chief Minister Naqvi inspected treatment facilities, engaged with patients, and toured the emergency and other wards.

All departments and wards are fully operational, offering services including angiography, emergency care, OPD, and lab tests.

Naqvi also inaugurated three major road improvement projects in DG Khan, including the Gilania Chowk to Samina Sadat Road, Alipur Jatoi Road rehabilitation, and Kotla Nasir Chowk to Hafizabad Kotmithan Road. Furthermore, he laid the foundation stone for the model e-registration centre and inaugurated the upgraded Police Protection Centre and Misaq Centre at Sadar Police Station and DPO Office.

Naqvi assured the completion of Gujranwala Expressway and SL-3 soon, along with measures to address traffic issues in Dera Ghazi Khan through the installation of traffic signals.

Meanwhile, initiating a series of divisional meetings, CM Naqvi chaired a crucial session at the Commissioner's Office in DG Khan, focusing on ensuring fair and free elections within a peaceful environment. The meeting, chaired by Naqvi, extensively reviewed the arrangements for the upcoming general elections and the security plan, with the Provincial Election Commissioner participating via video link.

Naqvi, emphasising the need for foolproof security arrangements across Punjab, affirmed the citizens' right to vote in a tranquil environment. He called for meticulous planning to ensure the secure delivery of election materials, directing IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar to promptly finalise comprehensive SOPs. Underlining the adherence to the Election Commission's code of conduct, Naqvi stated that all political parties and independent candidates have the right to conduct election campaigns. He stressed the importance of maintaining a conducive atmosphere for political activities.

Meanwhile, Culminating a 17-year-long venture, a public project achieved completion and functionality within a year, marking a significant milestone as Mohsin Naqvi officially inaugurated the Dr. Fatima Jinnah Institute of Dental Sciences in Jubilee Town. Expressing contentment with the state-of-the-art treatment facilities, Chief Minister Naqvi highlighted the commitment of 435 doctors operating in different shifts within the institute, equipped with 120 beds and 90 units. Naqvi addressed the delays in the project, initially costing Rs80 crore but concluding at Rs4.5 billion. Out of the 120 beds, 90 are allocated for OPD patients, with additional facilities such as a hostel integrated into Dr Fatima Jinnah Institute of Dental Sciences.

Speaking about ongoing healthcare projects, Naqvi assured the completion of hospital upgrades within the next 5 to 6 days, including Manawan Cancer Hospital and Mayo Hospital.