The lockdown of cities hampers the pace of developmental work : Governor Punjab

Lahore : Governor Punjab Muhammad Rafiq Rajwana has said that lockdown of cities hampers the pace of developmental work and have very serious and negative repercussions upon the ongoing march of socio economic progress. Therefore, it is imperative that cities must remain open to ensure sustainable socio economic development in the country.

He made these remarks during his address to the ceremony of MNAs, MPAs, local body representatives, office bearers and workers of PMLN, at circuit house Bahawalpur, here, today.

The ceremony was attended by Provincial Minister for Cooperative Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar, MNAs:-  Javed Ali Shah, Makhdoom Syed Ali Hassan Gillani, Begum Perveen Masood Bhatti, MPAs:- Fouzia Ayub Qureshi, Hasina Naz, Chairman Bahawalpur Waste Management Company Samiullah Chudhry, Chaudhry Mahmood Majeed, Mian Shahid Iqbal, Aqeel Najam Hashmi, Bilal Baloch, Tabish Alweri, Akmal Bhatti, Mian Maqbool Joiya, Meer Khalil-ur-Rehman, Fargham Ishtiaq, Shahab Saqib, Shahid Abdullah Chaudhry and a large number of PMLN workers.

“The nation wonders how cities can be lock down on an issue which is sub judicious”, Governor Punjab Muhammad Rafiq Rajwana noted.

Governor Punjab said that to extend decent and comfortable socio economic relief to the citizens it is imperative that cities should remain open. He further said that the whole nation was wondering why cities were being lock down and they also have very serious concerns regarding the rationale of locking down of cities.

“If the policy paradigm of locking down of cities flourishes trade and business then why should not all the cities should be locked down”, Governor Punjab wondered.

He emphasized that all out efforts should be made to keep all cities open which is vital for rapid and sustained progress and development.

“Why Dharnas were not staged against the painful problems of poverty, hunger, sense of deprivation in our country”, Governor Punjab questioned.

“Why Dharnas were not organized against non-industrialization which is a major cause of unemployment”, He further noted.

Governor Punjab Muhammad Rafiq Rajwana maintained that the whole nation would welcome a dharna which would be aimed to provide decent health and education facilities and to extend a sustainable system of employment.

Governor Punjab further said that personal agenda should not supersede the national interest. He further said that present government has launched a wide ranging program of development which include:- motorways and power plants along with other development projects which has put the nation on the path of progress.

“Innovative and attractive investment policies and conducive, constructive and business friendly environment has made Pakistan an attractive destination for foreign investors which is opening a new vista of development and progress”, He maintained.

He further said that this vibrant and visionary policy paradigm is turning Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s vision a living reality of making Pakistan a modern welfare state.

“Through collective national wisdom and by bringing all stake holders:- Pak Army, all political parties and other state actors operation Zarb-e-Azb’s splendid and glorious successes is the practical reflection of Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s policy plank of making Pakistan a peaceful and prosperous country”, Governor Punjab said.

Governor Punjab urged upon all stake holders to play their constructive and positive role to ensure the fullnest implementation of CPEC project which is a game changer for 200 million Pakistanis. However, he said that we must have a serious thinking when a situation arises when Chinese ambassador had to meet with our political leaders to apprise them off to the benefits of the CPEC project.

Governor Punjab said that political workers are the back bone of political system and their unflinching commitment and dedication towards their political parties is a key to promote solid and effective political culture. He urged upon the political workers to serve as a vanguard to refute negative propaganda by some political quarters and play their role to promote positive, healthy and constructive public opinion regarding the various people friendly projects of the Government.

Governor Punjab further assured that Punjab Public Service Commission’s divisional offices have been operationalized to facilitate the students of southern Punjab who would also be extended decent environment to provide them opportunities for getting jobs.

Earlier, Provincial Minister for Cooperative Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar demanded of Governor Punjab to restore a special Quota in Punjab Public Service Commission for the candidates of southern Punjab.

The ceremony was also addressed by Makhdoom Syed Ali Hassan Gillani, Begum Perveen Masood Bhatti, Fouzia Ayub Qureshi, Hasina Naz, Tabish Alweri, Bilal Baloch, Muhammad Akmal Bhatti, Malik Tariq and Chaudhry Zeeshan.