PM bans use of farmlands for housing schemes

LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan Friday directed the Punjab government not to establish any housing schemes on agricultural lands in any big city of the province. While chairing the cabinet meeting at 8-Club Road, the PM called for reviewing the strategy concerning new constructions in Punjab, and directed the Punjab ministers to ensure regular presence in Provincial Assembly sessions and urged them to think of development of Punjab, instead of worrying about transfer, postings. The premier was hailed by his party leaders for showing true statesmanship in handling the prevailing tension between India and Pakistan at borders. Imran Khan thanked Allah for His help and blessings, said the sources.

Sources said Imran Khan supported the idea of constructing of high-rise rather than spreading Lahore and other cities horizontally.

The PM also directed the Punjab government for speedy justice to the bereaved family in Sahiwal tragedy that occurred in January as per the findings of the Joint Investigation Team. The cabinet meeting was also briefed by Law Minister Raja Basharat regarding the JIT findings which declared Khaleel, and his family innocent but showed links of Zeeshan, another victim of the incident with banned outfits.

While keeping in view the sensitivity of the situation, Imran Khan also directed departments concerned for making foolproof security during the PSL matches in Lahore.

The meeting was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, Law Minister Mohammed Basharat Raja, the Punjab ministers. Interestingly, for the first time since Sept 2019, no advisor, special assistant to the Punjab was extended invitation of the cabinet meeting which took them by surprise, sources said.

Basharat Raja briefed the PM about the JIT report over Sahiwal incident and also updated the PM regarding the draft of the proposed Local Government Amendment Bill.

Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid and Education Minister Dr Murad Raas also briefed the PM about the progress, performance and new initiatives being taken in their respective departments.

Sources said that while expressing dismay at the complaints related to some of the Punjab Ministers for regularly skipping the PA sessions, the PM demanded responsible behaviour from them.

The irresponsible attitude of some of the Punjab cabinet members has been causing serious embarrassment for the PTI government as they neither pay attention to the legislation process nor show any responsibility to maintain quorum, thus raising a serious question about the authority of CM Punjab Usman Buzdar on his team.

The PM urged his Punjab cabinet members to think above transfer and postings of officials, employees and focus towards the prosperity of Punjab. A source quoted PM as saying that the Punjab ministers should remember the Punjab they had inherited and utilise their abilities to achieve the goals for change that could benefit the people.

Imran Khan, while stressing the need for provision of proper health facilities to citizens, directed the Punjab cabinet members to pay regular visits to the public sector hospitals.

Sources stated that the PM also directed his team to pinpoint all irregularities done in their respective departments in the previous tenure. He once again categorically asserted that the government had ‘no tolerance’ policy for corruption.

The PM also reiterated the commitment for ‘depoliticisation’ of police and demanded measures meant to improve the working of the police purely in accordance with the law and merit.

Governor Punjab Chaudhry Mohammed Sarwar also called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at 8-Club and discussed current political situation of the country. Sarwar on the occasion lauded the PM for showing sagacity to counter the tactics of defaming and damaging Pakistan from the Indian side.

Later, the PM also chaired the meeting of National Agricultural Emergency Programme, which was attended by Federal Minister Sahibzada Mehboob Sultan, CM Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar, Punjab Ministers including Samiullah Chaudhry, Husnanin Bahadur Dareshak, Mohsin Leghari, Makhdum Hashim Jawan Bakht and Malik Nauman Langrial.

The PM was briefed about the last six-month performance at Punjab agriculture sector and measures meant to provide relief to the small growers of the province. Imran on the occasion cited the example of China and said that even in desert areas, farming is done in that country. He stressed the need for sensitising farmers of Punjab about the new and modern techniques that could benefit him in agriculture sector.

Imran Khan called for special measures to facilitate small growers besides demanding stern punishment for the elements involved in the manufacturing, sales, purchase of the adulterated milk.

APP adds: Prime Minister Imran Khan Friday directed the Punjab government to restructure the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), reiterating his resolve, not to tolerate corruption and mismanagement.

Chairing a meeting on LDA affairs, the prime minister, who is here on daylong visit, directed the Punjab government to formulate bylaws to set the upper limit of the high-rise buildings in the urban areas. The prime minister also ordered for preservation of trees and parks in urban areas.