Inflation not acceptable, warns Maryam

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz warned the authorities concerned on Monday that there should be no inflation in the province, and expressed her concerns over an increase in the price of chicken.

While chairing a special meeting on increase in chicken price here, she said: “Inflation is not acceptable in any case; all relevant departments should monitor the market trends.” The CM said: “The price of chicken should not go beyond the reach of common man, and a strict check should be maintained on its prices.” Terming the increase artificial, she ordered for setting up a regulatory mechanism to determine the price of chicken. Maryam said chicken was among the most consumed food items among the public. Where are the responsible departments? she asked. She added, “Do poultry business and earn legitimate profit, but do not overburden people with price hike.”

Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz met Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan and discussed affairs of the Punjab Assembly and overall political situation in the province. She also had a detailed discussion on various development projects in the province. She said, “The government is focused on providing maximum relief to poor people. We want to contain inflation and end it forever.”

Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan congratulated the chief minister on successful test flight of country’s first air ambulance. “Projects like the first government cancer hospital, Nawaz Sharif IT City, e-bikes, solar panels and air ambulance are remarkable,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the upgraded OPD of Lady Aitchison Hospital and the upgraded eye ward of Mayo Hospital. She visited Consultant OPD, Antenatal Clinic, Nursing Office and Triage Room of Lady Aitchison Hospital. She inquired about the welfare of a mother and child in the ward, and prayed for their speedy recovery.

Later, the CM reached Ophthalmology Ward of Mayo Hospital and inaugurated its upgradation project. She visited different rooms of the Ophthalmology Block and reviewed the quality of construction work. She inspected OPD, operation theatre, CSSD sterilisation room, and reviewed various facilities available to patients there.

The CM was briefed by Secretary C&W Sohail Ashraf about the upgradation project. He said, “The number of operation theatres in the eye ward has been increased from 5 to 14.” She was told that a recovery room and waiting area have also been set up for patients and their attendants. “The building has been made safe by completely plugging the leakage that has been going on for a long time in the Eye Ward,” the CM was informed. “New generators and lifts have been installed for patients in the upgraded Eye Ward, which is located on Mayo Hospital’s 8th Floor.”

The CM was briefed: “Modern medical and other necessary equipment have been provided in both OPD and Eye Ward.” Also, CM Maryam met Brigadier (retd) Babar Alauddin, chairman of Chief Minister Directorate of Evaluation, Feedback, Inspection and Monitoring and discussed with him suggestions and recommendations for good governance and transparency at management level. “Increase reliance on technology to improve monitoring of public service departments of the government,” she advised.

She also discussed the process of incorporating public opinion into the government decision and policymaking. She directed Babar Alauddin to devise a modern training mechanism for the administration and police. She said, “The establishment of performance index has increased a sense of responsibility in officers.” She added, “The performance index should be strictly monitored. The role of DEFIM is very important to ensure good governance.”

Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz took notice of a man killing his wife to prevent the birth of their third daughter in Khudrianwala.

She expressed deep sorrow and grief over the incident. “Killing a daughter is extremely painful and unbearable,” she said and added, “Killing a wife on the birth of a daughter is a tradition of the ancient ignorant times.”