Bahawalpur Province resolution presented with sincerity :CM Punjab

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the resolution regarding restoration of Bahawalpur Province in the Punjab Assembly is an important and historic milestone. He said that this resolution has been presented with sincerity and will be implemented with honesty. The Chief Minister said that he has directed leader of the opposition in National Assembly Ch. Nisar Ali Khan to take further steps in the Parliament in this regard so that there should be progress towards restoration of Bahawalpur Province. He said that an injustice had been done to the people of Bahawalpur. Pakistan Muslim League (N) under the leadership of Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif decided to redress the grievance of the people of the area once for all by presenting this resolution, he added. Shahbaz Sharif said that now the ball is in the court of federal government and its slogan of province is only limited to the words whereas its practical role is zero. He said that people have also realized who is making jokes with them and who is fully supporting their demand.

He was addressing senators and assembly members belonging to Bahawalpur Division at Chief Minister’s Secretariat today. Provincial Minister Iqbal Chanar, Chairman Planning and Development, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Secretaries, Commissioner and DCO Bahawalpur, DPO and other officers were also present. The meeting discussed in detail budget proposals for the next financial year, law and order situation and progress of development projects in Bahawalpur Division.

Addressing the meeting, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif congratulated the parliamentarians on the resolution of restoration of Bahawalpur Province. He said that provision of rights to the masses at their door step is our mission and Pakistan Muslim League (N) will spare no effort in the service to the masses. He said that provincial government is providing substantial funds for the balanced socio-economic development of South Punjab. He said that besides development projects in education, health and communication sectors as well as promotion of economic activities, special attention will be given to the welfare projects for women during next financial year. The Chief Minister directed that gunny bags be provided to the farmers of Katcha and flood affected areas of Bahawalpur Division in abundance. He said that the project of girls college in Rahim Yar Khan be completed immediately and asked assembly members to monitor the progress of development projects so that these projects could be completed on time. He directed Secretary Irrigation to ensure availability of canal water to the farmers at the tail end and legal action should be taken against the elements involved in water theft. Shahbaz Sharif told that assistance from brotherly Islamic country Turkey would be sought for establishing veterinary university in Bahwalpur. He disclosed that modern system of solid waste management will be introduced in Bahawalpur city. The Chief Minister directed that the projects of potable water be completed on priority basis. He informed that funds are being allocated in the next provincial budget for providing buses to the women colleges and this step would facilitate the female students in getting education. He further directed that Bahawalpur Development Authority should perform the duties of PHA for beautifying Bahawalpur city so that new identity be given to this historical city of south Punjab and the living standard of the people should further improve. Shahbaz Sharif said that three Daanish schools have been set up in Bahawalpur Division. He said that due to these schools, free and quality education would be available to the deserving male and female students of South Punjab. The meeting also reviewed the law and order situation in Bahawalpur Division. The Chief Minister appreciated the performance of DPO Rahim Yar Khan in apprehending all accused involved in terrorism in Khanpur. The meeting was told that necessary machinery has been obtained for kidney centre and ICU in Bahawalpur and the patients of Bahawalpur and surrounding areas will specially benefits from these projects.

Expressing their views, senators, assembly members and Provincial Minister Iqbal Chanar paid rich tributes to the Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif to the approval of the resolution for restoration of Bahawalpur Province and termed him the real benefactor of the people of South Punjab. They said that Shahbaz Sharif has won the hearts of people of South Punjab. They said that people will give votes to the PML(N) in the next general elections as they fully know that this party is their real well wisher and sympathizer.