Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today inaugurated Wheat Harvest Campaign 2017 at village Fatehpur, Kasur by traditional sickle and later by the harvester. He congratulated the cultivators and while talking to media said that Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif-led government of Pakistan Muslim League (N) has protected farmers’ interests and will continue to do so in the future as well. The Chief Minister said that he is monitoring wheat procurement campaign and won’t allow anyone to exploit farmers. He expressed gratitude to Allah and applauded farmers who managed to produce a plausible yield of wheat this year. He said that Kisan Package worth billions of rupees, introduced by the government, has provided special subsidies to cultivators.
Shehbaz Sharif said that Punjab Government shared 50 per cent of the expenses of the federal government’s scheme of providing subsidy on fertilisers. He said that his government has also started implementation of interest-free loan scheme for cultivators, who own at least 12 acres, which according to him is a landmark policy in Pakistan’s history where farmers weren’t entertained by banks. Additionally, he said that steps are being taken to sow fresh seeds for increasing cotton production.
He directed provincial minister food and secretary food to ensure the protection of interests of cultivators and provide them with the required supply of gunny bags. He ordered strict disciplinary action against individuals who attempt to infringe farmers’ rights.
Punjab Government has fixed a target to buy four million tonnes of wheat this year from the local cultivators, even though they already have additional reserves of grain.
Responding to media query regarding Panama case, the Chief Minister said that Pakistanis make a civilized nation and they will respect the verdict of the court. He said history is witness to the fact that in the tenure of Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif cheapest electricity projects are installed. He further stated that the gas power projects of 3600MW made in PML-N’s tenure have saved 112 billion rupees Furthermore, he added that 1180 MW gas power project of Bhikki had inaugurated yesterday
He said that contract of Nandipur power project was given without tender notice in PPP’s tenure and six billion rupees of the nation were plundered ruthlessly. He vowed that Nawaz Sharif is today’s Prime Minister and will surely be Primer of tomorrow. He further said that Nawaz Sharif has played a vital role in the 51 billion dollar CPEC which goes on to show that even the Chinese have confidence in the current leadership of Pakistan. He added that 1320 MW Sahiwal Coal Power Project under (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) CPEC will be inaugurated by Prime Minister next month. He said lower water level at dams is the main reason behind the increase of load-shedding.
