*Shahbaz says Chinese companies believe samples drilled from Chiniot are rich in minerals
*Over Rs 9.75 billion cash compensation to be distributed among flood-hit in second phase
Chinese company has declared the samples of natural reserves drilled in Chiniot as encouraging, said Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif while presiding over a meeting of provincial cabinet on Friday which reviewed the second phase of provision of financial assistance to the flood affectees.
The meeting gave approval in principle to the extension policy of lease of commercial properties/shops of local government as well as approved to amendments in Punjab Criminal Prosecution Service Act 2006 and PHA Act 2012. Labour Policy 2014 and Punjab Sanitation Policy after consideration by cabinet committee concerned will be presented in the next provincial cabinet meeting for approval. Cabinet meeting expressed satisfaction over the initial good news about the progress of the project of exploring mineral reserves. The meeting lauded the efforts of Punjab government, provincial ministers, assembly members, chief secretary, secretaries, heads of departments concerned, district administration and the entire team for providing full assistance to flood affectees and also adopted a unanimous resolution in this regard.
Addressing the meeting, Shahbaz said that the progress in mineral reserves exploration is good news for the entire nation.
He said that the mineral reserves in the soil are not less than oil or gas for us and expressed the hope that these reserves will be efficiently extracted which will result in development and prosperity of the country and the nation. He said that worst criminal negligence was committed with regard to mineral reserves of Chiniot during Musharaf’s dictatorship and this important project of national importance was delayed due to policy of favouritism.
The chief minister lamented instead of taking serious steps for the exploration and utilisation, we are wandering around the world with begging bowl. He directed to constitute a cabinet committee tasked to bring to light all facts with regard to exploring mineral reserves. He said that besides provincial ministers, government officials and experts of this sector will be included in this committee which will evolve a strategy for further developing it.
SECOND PHASE OF FINANCIAL COMPENSATION FOR FLOOD-HIT TO BE COMPLETED IN FEW DAYS:
Referring to the provision of financial assistance to flood affectees, he said that an amount of Rs 9.75 billion had been given to the two hundred and seventy five thousand flood affectees as financial assistance in the second phase which will be completed within next few days. He said that the government has ensured rehabilitation of flood affectees in days instead of months through historic package of Rs 16 billion.
He said that the government has written a new history by providing financial assistance to flood affectees in a very short period. He said that international institutions have also declared the distribution of financial assistance system as foolproof and very transparent.
He said that resources are a trust of the nation and there will be no embezzlement or dishonesty in it. He warned that no injustice or excess will be tolerated in the distribution of financial assistance among flood affectees and right is being provided to the deserving persons.
While giving approval in principle to the extension in the lease policy of local government, the chief minister directed the cabinet committee should review this policy and give it a final shape at the earliest.
DETAILS OF KHADIM-E-PUNJAB IMDADI PACKAGE:
Earlier, Board of Revenue senior member and PDMA director general gave detailed briefings with regard to provision of financial assistance to the flood affectees under Khadim-e-Punjab Imdadi Package in the second phase. The secretary for local government threw light on the important features of extension in lease policy, secretary prosecution regarding amendment bills of Punjab Criminal Prosecution Service Act 2006 and secretary housing about PHA Act 2012. Provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, chief secretary, secretaries concerned and senior officials attended the meeting. The meeting prayed for the departed soul of sister of Minister for Excise and Taxation Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman.