All stakeholders to be consulted before taking any step about South Punjab: PM
All stakeholders to be consulted before taking any step about South Punjab: PM
Monitoring Desk
BAHAWALPUR, Aug 11,2021 – Prime Minister Imran Khan said before taking any step regarding South Punjab would consult all the stakeholders.
He was presiding over a meeting held here on Wednesday to review the progress of development projects in Bahawalpur division and performance and construction of the South Punjab Secretariat.
During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed in detail about the overall situation in Bahawalpur division including economic, social, education, health, basic infrastructure, especially agricultural production.
South Punjab package
The meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, was told that the government had formulated a strategy to address the issue of backwardness in Bahawalpur, which despite being the largest division of Punjab in terms of territory stood at number two in the province with respect to backwardness.
The South Punjab package included health, education and basic infrastructure projects for all the districts, it was told.
South Punjab Secretariat
About South Punjab, the meeting was told that the work on rules of business had been completed, which would soon be approved. 15 out of 40 provincial departments have been shifted in South Punjab. Additional Chief Secretary was looking after the affairs of South Punjab Secretariat for the last six months.
The meeting was also apprised of the progress on the construction of South Punjab Secretariat buildings in Multan and Bahawalpur. Besides, the meeting was told that with the allocation of Rs. 189 billion for the 2491 development projects in South Punjab, 91% of the projects had so far been approved.
It was further told that for South Punjab quota in government jobs, various proposals were being considered and a final decision to that effect will soon be made.
Agriculture
The meeting was told that a plan had been made to further boost cotton production in Bahawalpur division, which produced 50% of cotton in Punjab.
The establishment of research institutes, provision of best seed, assistance of farmers, use of modern technology and the resolution of water problems were part of the plan, the meeting was further told.
Master plans of Cholistan and Bahawalpur
The meeting was also briefed about the steps taken for enhancing the pace of work in industrial zones and promoting value addition in the existing industries. Besides, it was told that work on the master plans of Cholistan and Bahawalpur was also progressing on the fast pace.
Solar energy in Cholistan
The meeting was also briefed about shifting the schools in Cholistan on solar, construction of hospitals and the progress of highway project connecting Bahawalpur with China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
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