LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif Monday said that elimination of terrorism is essential for securing the future of Pakistan and maintaining peace in the society.
The chief minister, while presiding over a high level meeting attended by Lahore Corps Commander Lt General Naveed Zaman, said that time has come to rid the country of the scourge of terrorism and the whole nation is united and standing by its armed forces to foil the nefarious designs of anti-Pakistan elements.
The meeting decided to improve security arrangements at sensitive places and important buildings throughout the province. Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Col (r) Shuja Khanzada, Punjab Rangers Director General Maj Gen Khan Tahir, general officers commanding, Punjab chief secretary, home secretary and senior officials of law-enforcement agencies were also present during the meeting.
The chief minister said that officers and jawans of Pak Army have rendered supreme sacrifices for the country. He said that Pakistan’s armed forces have best professional abilities and the nation was proud of their courage and bravery. He said that Pakistan is passing through a critical phase and the enemy is bent upon damaging the country. He said that all out measures will be taken for the protection of life and property of citizens while security arrangements will be made foolproof. He said that strict vigilance will be ensured at entry and exit points of the province. He directed that law- enforcement agencies should perform their responsibilities with mutual coordination and maintain a watchful eye on suspects.
BRITISH HC MEETS CM:
Moreover, British High Commissioner in Pakistan Philip Barton met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif Monday and discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral relations.
Talking to the British HC, the chief minister said that Pakistan and Britain have deep rooted historical and friendly ties. He said that Britain is a big trading partner of Pakistan and is extending commendable cooperation for the development of different sectors. He said that Britain is cooperating with Punjab government for the uplift of education, vocational education, health and other social sectors. He said that School Reforms Roadmap Programme is being successfully implemented in Punjab with the cooperation of British Department for International Development and is yielding positive results. He said that the scope of Skills Development Programme started in four districts of South Punjab with the collaboration DfID has been extended to 18 districts while it will be further expanded to all districts of the province. He said that thousands of male and female youth have been imparted skills under Skills Development Programme. He said that skilled workforce plays a key role in the development of a country therefore Punjab government has evolved a comprehensive programme to develop a skilled workforce to meet the market needs. He said that 200,000 persons will be imparted vocational training during next four years.
The chief minister said that a massive healthcare programme was also being started with the collaboration of DfID which will leave a positive impact on health sector.
Barton, while speaking on the occasion, said that Shahbaz was rendering commendable services for the welfare and betterment of people of the province. He said that Britain will continue to cooperate with Pakistan for the uplift of social sectors.
CM WON’T LET PRICES SOAR:
Also during the day, while taking serious notice of the news regarding increase in the prices of daily use items before Ramzan-ul-Mubarak, Shahbaz directed Provincial Cabinet Committee on Price Control to stabilize the prices of edible items by visiting vegetable markets and markets.
The chief minister said that the administration should ensure provision of essential items to the citizens at fixed prices. He warned that the sale of essential items at higher rates will not be tolerated. He directed that cabinet committee, concerned departments and district administration should play an active role for stabilizing the prices of edible items. He said that the hoarders and profiteers will not be allowed to exploit the people.
