SoPs finalised to allow businesses in phases, says Usman Buzdar

LAHORE: A delegation of industrialists and representatives of the trader community under the leadership of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) head Gohar Ijaz called on Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar.

Discussion with regard to resolving the problems of industrialists and the trader community was held during the meeting. The chief minister assured them of resolving their problems at the earliest and said Punjab government will create more ease and comforts for the industrialists and traders.

Usman Buzdar maintained that the common man will get livelihood with the resumption of businesses. He stated the common man is facing very much difficulties due to to coronavirus pandemic. “Our aim is to alleviate the difficulties of the common man,” he added.

He disclosed that SoPs have been finalised in order to grant permission for doing business in a phased manner in Punjab. He warned that industrial units will be closed on violating the SoPs. He stated that besides reopening wood and construction sectors, other industry relating to construction will also be allowed to reopen. He said recommendations have also been submitted to the federal government. Usman Buzdar highlighted that with the consultation of federal government feed industry connected with export sector will also be opened. The CM said, “We are granting permission to power looms business to work, and the recommendations for reopening such factories which have their labour colonies have also been submitted. “We have also proposed opening iron and steel industry along with home appliances industry while markets and bazaars will be opened in phases,” he added.

The CM apprised that a committee has been constituted under the headship of provincial industries minister to resolve the problems of industrialists and traders. APTMA head Gohar Ijaz commended CM Usman Buzdar for delivering his duties on the frontline in order to combat corona pandemic. He said the CM has also set a new example of rendering public service. He acknowledged the steps taken by CM for resolving the problems of industrialists and traders.

Those who met with CM included LCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Adeel Bashir, Ahmad Zafar, Pervaiz Lala, Akbar Sheikh and SM Nabeel. Provincial ministers Mian Aslam Iqbal, Hashim Jawan Bakht and Fayyazul Hassan Chohan were also present.

Meanwhile, the members of British House of Lords paid rich tributes to Chief Minister Usman Buzdar for allocating two per cent quota in higher education for the students from minorities.

Usman Buzdar was specially extended compliments and acknowledgement from House of Lords Member Elton of Liverpool by writing a letter. The House of Lords member appreciated his decision for fixing two per cent quota in higher education for the minorities.

Lord Elton, who is chairman of Pakistani minorities of All Party Parliamentary Group, commended in the letter that with the decision of the CM, thousands of youths of minorities will be benefitted in Punjab. He said the doors of higher education will be opened to the minority students in colleges and universities and a new middle class of minorities will emerge due to this decision.

Lord Elton complimented that a glorious image of Pakistan has emerged with this decision of CM Usman Buzdar. Lord Elton has also disclosed to highlight and portray the positive decision of CM Usman Buzdar before the British government and other departments concerned.

Also, Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has directed the officers concerned to work on a strategy to provide benefits to the common man in the wake of decrease in the prices of petroleum products. He directed that benefits of recent decrease in petroleum products’ prices be provided to the masses at every cost.

Usman Buzdar asserted that comprehensive planning should be undertaken in a proactive manner along with its implementation to provide direct benefit to the people of the province as a result of significant decrease in petroleum products’ prices.

He stated that steps should also be taken to lower the prices of essential items in proportion to decrease in petroleum prices. He emphasised that masses should be provided with relief by decreasing the prices of other items in proportion to decrease in petroleum prices and the departments concerned should work in a solid and comprehensive manner to provide relief to the masses.

He warned that artificial hike in the prices of vegetables, fruits and pulses will not be tolerated at any cost. The CM directed the officers that prices and quality of essential items should be regularly checked. He stressed that the district price control committee should undertake effective measures in order to bring stability in the prices of essential commodities. He said sale of essential items should be ensured according to the official rate list.

The CM warned that no negligence will be tolerated with regard to the implementation of the price control mechanism. He maintained that every step of PTI government is for the provision of maximum relief to the masses.

He said the significant decrease in petroleum prices is a gift for the masses from the PTI government. He appreciated that the PTI government by making a significant decrease in petroleum prices has also won the hearts of people.

He vowed, “We will not allow any hurdle in the journey of making progress under the vibrant leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan. We will take all possible steps to provide maximum relief to the common man.”