Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif has given approval to the Research and Development Programme for Dengue Punjab and directed the officials concerned to establish an independent and autonomous authority for the purpose. A special committee headed by the chief secretary will formulate and submit recommendations on the matter within next few days. The decision was made on Sunday at a meeting, presided over by Shahbaz Sharif, which reviewed the implementation of a strategy evolved for eradication of dengue in the province.
The chief minister said a coordinated system of research would be evolved under the programme. He directed that an independent and autonomous authority should be set up for running the programme and recommendations regarding establishment of authority be submitted at the earliest keeping in view various aspects of briefing given on the issue.
Earlier, renowned entomologist Dr Wasim Akram gave a detailed briefing on the programme. He informed the meeting that the initiative was of great importance for eradication of dengue, which would also help eliminating other epidemic diseases. He promised that the programme would be of international standards and best scientists and experts would be a part of it. He said the main focus of the programme would be the research. The participants also gave their suggestions on the issue. Member National Assembly Saood Majeed, Member Provincial Assembly Khawaja Salman Rafique, chief secretary, Planning and Development chairman and secretaries of Agriculture, Health and Education also attended the meeting.
Orders foolproof security during Muharram: Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday directed the officials to make foolproof security arrangements throughout the province on Youm-e-Ashur. He ordered all senior police officers to ensure patrolling in their respective areas personally and implementation of a plan evolved for maintenance of law and order and religious harmony. He also called for keeping an eye on suspects besides checking hotels, inns and other important places. He said the cabinet committee set up for reviewing the arrangements during Muharram would monitor the situation in the province at its central control room and also keep him informed about the latest developments. He appealed to the clerics to play an effective role for maintaining law and order, brotherhood and religious harmony during Muharram-ul-Haram.
