dgpr-punjab-newsroom

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PRESS RELEASE

LAHORE, April 19: Provincial Minister for Information & Culture Punjab Azma Bokhari while giving her rebuttal on the statement of Barrister Saif said the 4- Member Medical Delegation headed by Doctor Asim has categorically stated that Bushra Bibi has not been given poison. Bushra Bibi alleged that she had been given harpic drops. Has Barrister Saif got an intuition that Bushra Bibi has been given poison, she queried. Barrister Saif is a lawyer and not a doctor.The opinion of medical delegation holds more weightage instead of his false statement. Azma Bokhari said the Medical Board recommended few tests to Bushra Bibi which she didn't undergo. Their thefts cannot be covered by playing such ridiculous sympathy cards. Bushra Bibi is undergoing her punishment by sitting in her bedroom even today. The PTI party has nothing to do except hatching conspiracies. If Barrister Saif has such qualified doctors available in KPK then he should get treatment of his own self and of CM KPK, concluded Azma Bokhari.

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With compliments from, The Directorate General Public Relations,

Government of the Punjab, Lahore Ph. 99201390.

No.502/Zafar/Mujahid

HANDOU (A)

Chinese Language Has Acquired Significant Importance in Global Perspective: CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif"s Message on International Chinese Language Day

Lahore, 19 April 2024: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in her message on the International Chinese Language Day said," The Chinese language has acquired a significant importance in the global perspective. The Chinese language is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.The world duly acknowledges the importance of China and the Chinese language. China has proved its worth as an economic power across the globe. A language holds its significance for the promotion of relations between the people across the globe. China's political, diplomatic and economic importance is highly acclaimed in the world.There is a need to acquaint oneself with the Chinese language as the Chinese language can further strengthen and boost Pakistan-China friendship. The relations with China are gaining strength with every passing day. China has launched numerous projects for Pakistan's economic stability.The Punjab Police are taught Chinese language being deputed on the security of Chinese nationals.There is a dire need to acquire proficiency in the Chinese language in order to link with the Chinese market. Learning Chinese language can enable us to understand Chinese culture along with promoting better ties with the Chinese people."

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With compliments from, The Directorate General Public Relations,

Government of the Punjab, Lahore Ph. 99201390.

No.500/Zafar/Mujahid

HANDOU (A)

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif meets Secretary General Digital Cooperation Organization Deema AlYahya

Lahore, 19 April 2024: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif met with the Secretary General of Digital Cooperation Organization(DCO) Deemah AlYahya. Deema ALYahya congratulated CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif on being elected as the first women Chief Minister. The CM lauded the cooperation of Digital Cooperation Organization for the promotion of Information Technology in Pakistan. She said," The progress of every country depends on acquiring the latest technology during present time. Their is a great IT potential among the Pakistani youth and future of the youth can be brightened with the provision of better training and technology. We have to enable the youth to create employment opportunities instead of searching for their jobs. Their is a dire need for the promotion of Virtual Education and enhancing the number of Information Technology graduates."

The Chief Minister said, "We are keen to provide trained IT manpower to the Saudi companies from Punjab. We are keen to establish a Start Exchange Program with the superior Tech Incubators of Saudi Arabia. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia can work jointly in the chip manufacturing industries, lithium ion batteries and in the manufacturing of electric vehicle sector. Both the countries need to further enhance their cooperation to work in the agriculture and mining technologies. I am fully determined to enable the women to benefit from the digital economy. Foreign reserves amounting to billions of rupees are coming into the country due to sheer hard work of freelance Pakistani youth. Abundant opportunities are available for the people, companies and for the countries in the digital economy. We are going to establish the latest IT City in Lahore.IT & Tech District, Education City Film City, Commercial and residential areas would be established. Deemah AlYahya congratulated CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif on hosting ITCN 24th Edition in Lahore. Secretary General DCO Deemah AlYahya said that IT industry in Pakistan will be promoted by hosting Information Technology Commerce Network. Saudi Arabia launched DCO to promote technological cooperation and expedite the promotion of digital economy as well. The role of Pakistan holds an utmost importance as a founder member of the council. Deema ALYahya said that digital participation of women is a fundamental part of DCO mandate. The organization is working to digitally empower the women and youth. DCO would play its positive role to enhance foreign investment in Pakistan's IT sector. Deemah AlYahya said that a Memorandum of Understanding is intact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to work jointly in the IT sector. Pakistan being a member country can benefit from the IT initiatives of other DCO member countries. DCO is undertaking measures to enable the participation of women in the digital economy. We are working to provide foreign investment and cloud services to Pakistan in the IT sector. Secretary General DCO said we are providing assistance to the Pakistani companies to enhance their operations in the IT sector of GCC countries.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman,CEO CBD Imran Amin and other offers were also present on the occasion.

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With compliments from, The Directorate General Public Relations,

Government of the Punjab, Lahore Ph. 99201390.

No.1084/Tayyab/Mujahid

HANDOUT (A)

PUNJAB SKILL DEVELOPMENT POLICY 2024 APPROVED, CH. SHAFY HUSSAIN CHAIRS MEETING

Lahore, April 19: Punjab Skill Development Policy 2024 was approved in a meeting chaired by Provincial Minister of Industry and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain at TEVTA Secretariat. Under the Punjab Skill Development Policy, the goals for the next 5 years have been set. Under the policy, 3 Skill Technology Parks will be built while 20 institutions will be made centers of excellence. Labs of technical education institutes will be upgraded according to international standards. Courses will be shifted to CBTA to align with modern requirements. 5 lakh youth will be trained annually.

Provincial Minister of Industry and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain while addressing the meeting said that government will empower the youth by equipping them with modern sciences. It is my mission to promote quality technical education and upgrade technical institutions to global standards. Provincial Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain directed that the biometric attendance system of students and staff should be implemented in institutions soon and the problems of technical universities should be solved on a priority basis.

In the meeting, the issue of foreign direct investment of 350 million dollars in the cement plant project in Chakwal area was reviewed. The issues of land acquisition for GTTI Kasur and technical universities were also reviewed. In the meeting, Secretary Industries and Commerce Ehsan Bhutta, Additional Secretary Commerce, COO TEVTA, DG PSDA, Senior Economic Adviser and other officers participated.

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With compliments from, The Directorate General Public Relations,

Government of the Punjab, Lahore Ph. 99201390.

No.1079/Imtiaz/Mujahid

HANDOU (A)

GOVT ACTS TO IMPLEMENT NEW ROTI PRICE, 817 ARRESTED FOR OVERCHARGING

Lahore April 19: On the directives of the Chief Minister Punjab, the authorities are ensuring implementation of the cut in the price of Roti across the province, and 817 people were arrested, 347 cases were registered and fines of more than Rs. 11.7 million were imposed for overcharging during the last five days.

The report regarding the actions was presented during the meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman, at the Civil Secretariat. The administrative secretaries of industries and food departments, Chairman PITB and officers concerned attended the meeting while all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners participated through video link.

The Chief Secretary said that the reduction in the price of Roti is a great initiative of the Punjab government to provide relief to the people, adding that the availability at new rates would be ensured in any case. He mentioned that the new price of Roti was fixed, keeping in mind the cut in the price of flour and other expenses, adding that there is no justification for selling at a higher price. He directed that Price Control Magistrates must remain active in the field for monitoring the rates.

The secretary industries gave a detailed briefing at the meeting. He said that so far more than 22,000 ‘Tandoors’ have been inspected and 94 of them have been sealed. In 10 districts including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, the price of Roti has been fixed at Rs. 16, while its price has been fixed at Rs 15 in 26 districts. He maintained that the price of Roti in DG Khan and Rajanpur has been set at Rs. 13 while it has been fixed at Rs. 12 in Muzaffargarh and Kot Addu. He further stated that as per the instructions of the Chief Minister of Punjab, banners showing new price of Roti have been displayed at ‘Tandoors’ and in case of overcharging the citizens can lodge complaints on the Qeemat Punjab App or complaint cell No. 08000-2345.

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Please see Attachment

بہ تسلیمات نظامت اعلی تعلقات عامہ پنجاب

لاہور،فون نمبر 99201390

عظمی زبیر/آصف

ہینڈ آؤٹ نمبر1067

لاہور،18 اپریل:وزیراعلی پنجاب مریم نوازشریف نے 22 اپریل کو’’ارتھ ڈے“2024 کے موقع پر اہم ماحول دوست اقدامات کا فیصلہ کیا ہے۔پنجاب بھرمیں ڈویژن اور ضلع کی سطح پر ”ارتھ ڈے“منایاجائے گااور ’پلاسٹک کو ناں‘(No to Plastic)مہم کا آغاز ہوگا۔اس حوالے سے 5 جون سے پنجاب بھر میں پلاسٹک تھیلوں کے استعمال پر پابندی کی وزیراعلی پنجاب نے منظوری دے دی ہے۔

ان خیالات کا اظہار سینئر وزیر مریم اورنگزیب نے وزیراعلی پنجاب کے ماحول دوست وژن کے تحت اقدامات پر عمل درآمدکے جائزہ اجلاس کی صدارت کرتے ہوئے کیا۔مریم اورنگزیب نے کہا کہ مہم کا مقصدپلاسٹک سے ہونے والی جان لیوا بیماریوں اور ماحولیاتی آلودگی سے متعلق عوام کو آگاہ کرنا ہے۔ سینئروزیر نے ہدایت کی کہ پولیتھین بیگز کی تیاری، ترسیل اور استعمال پر مکمل پابندی یقینی بنائی جائے کیونکہ پلاسٹک بیگز کو تلف کرنے اور آگ لگانے سے ماحول کو سنگین نقصان پہنچتا ہے اور سانس کی تکلیف اور دیگر جان لیوا بیماریاں جنم لیتی ہیں۔

اجلاس میں فیصلہ کیا گیا کہ سربراہان اپنے اداروں اورڈپٹی کمشنرز اپنے اپنے اضلاع میں پلاسٹک بیگز کے استعمال پر پابندی یقینی بنائیں گے۔ تعلیمی اداروں میں خصوصی لیکچرز اور تربیتی ورکشاپس منعقد ہوں گی اور انسانی صحت کو پلاسٹک سے ہونے والے نقصانات سے آگاہ کیاجائے گا۔اجلاس کو بتایا گیا کہ ارتھ ڈے پر”نو ٹو پلاسٹک‘‘کے پیغامات جاری ہوں گے،ذرائع اور سوشل میڈیا پرخصوصی آگاہی مہم چلے گی۔ مریم اورنگزیب نے اپیل کی کہ عوام کینسر سے بچاؤکے لئے پلاسٹک بیگ کی بجائے کپڑے اور کاغذ کے تھیلے استعمال کریں - اسی طرح دکاندار، شاپنگ مالز، ریستوران اور تندورمالکان پلاسٹک بیگز کی بجائے استعمال نہ کرنے کی مہم کا ساتھ دیں اور انسانی صحت کو بہتر بنانے اور سموگ کے خاتمے میں اپنا حصہ ڈالیں۔عوام اپنے گھروں میں بھی پلاسٹک بیگز اور پلاسٹک کے کھانے پینے کے برتنوں کو استعمال نہ کریں تا کہ ان کی صحت بحال رہے۔

سینئر وزیر نے کہا کہ ماحول اور انسانی صحت کیلئے اس اہم مسئلے کو اجاگر کرنے میں میڈیا اپنا کردار ادا کرے کیونکہ شہریوں اور میڈیا کے تعاون کے بغیر یہ مہم کامیاب نہیں ہوسکتی۔مریم اورنگزیب نے کہا کہ وزیر اعلی پنجاب کی ہدایت کے مطابق 5 جون ڈیڈ لائن ہے جس کے بعد پلاسٹک بیگز کے استعمال پر مکمل پابندی ہوگی۔ چیف سیکرٹری پنجاب زاہد اختر زمان کے علاوہ تمام ڈپٹی کمشنرز ویڈیو لنک کے ذریعے اجلاس میں شریک ہوئے۔

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بہ تسلیمات نظامت اعلی تعلقات عامہ پنجاب

لاہور،فون نمبر 99201390

ڈی این/آصف

ہینڈ آؤٹ نمبر1068

محتسب پنجاب میجر (ر)اعظم سلیمان خان کے حکم پر 13درخواست گزاران کو 1 کروڑ 36لاکھ سے زائد کے واجبات کی ادائیگی

لاہور، اپریل 18: محتسب پنجاب میجر (ر)اعظم سلیمان خان کی ہدایت پرڈسٹرکٹ اکاؤنٹس آفیسر، چیف ایگزیکٹیو آفیسر، ڈسٹرکٹ ہیلتھ اتھارٹی، ڈسٹرکٹ ایجوکیشن اتھارٹی، میونسپل کارپوریشن، چیف انجینئر(سنٹرل زون)، بلڈنگ ڈیپارٹمنٹ، ریسکیو1122اور چیئرمین ضلعی بہبود فنڈ بورڈ نے مختلف درخواست گزار افراد کے 1کروڑ 36لاکھ سے زائد کے واجبات ادا کر دیئے ہیں۔

آج یہاں جاری ایک بیان میں ترجمان نے بتایا کہ مختلف اضلاع سے تعلق رکھنے والے 13درخواست گزار فرادنے دفتر محتسب پنجاب کو درخواستیں دیں کہ انہوں نے فیملی پنشن، ماہانہ امداد اور زیر التواء واجبات حاصل کرنے کیلئے متعدد بار متعلقہ اداروں سے رابطہ کیا مگرانہیں ابھی تک واجبات ادا نہیں کئے گئے- محتسب پنجاب میجر (ر) اعظم سلیمان خان کی ہدایت پر متعلقہ اداروں نے سائلین کو ان کے زیر التواء واجبات ادا کر دیئے ہیں جس پر درخواست افراد نے قانونی حق کی فراہمی پر دفتر محتسب پنجاب کا شکریہ ادا کیا ہے -

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ho1067-1068.gifho1067-1068.gif002.gif

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With compliments from, The Directorate General Public Relations, Government of the Punjab, Lahore Ph.: 99201390.

No.1067/UzmaZubair/Mujahid

Handout (A)

Lahore, April 18:

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has decided to take important steps to launch environmentally friendly initiatives on the eve of Earth Day 2024, scheduled for April 22. The celebration of Earth Day will be widespread across divisions and districts throughout Punjab, signifying the commencement of the "No to Plastic" campaign. As part of this initiative, the CM has endorsed a comprehensive ban on plastic bag usage, effective from June 5.

During a review meeting on environment-friendly initiatives led by CM Punjab, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb highlighted the campaign's objective: to enhance public awareness regarding the severe health risks associated with plastic pollution. She stressed the urgency of banning the production, distribution and usage of polythene bags, citing their detrimental environmental impact and contribution to respiratory ailments and other life-threatening conditions.

It was resolved that department heads and deputy commissioners would ensure strict enforcement of the plastic bag ban within their offices and jurisdictions. Additionally, educational institutions will conduct special lectures and workshops to educate the public about the health hazards of plastic. Moreover, a special "No to Plastic" awareness campaign will be launched on Earth Day, utilizing both mass media and social media platforms.

The senior minister appealed to the public to switch to cloth and paper bags as alternatives to plastic, emphasizing their role in disease prevention. She urged businesses, shopping malls, restaurants, and bakery owners to participate in the campaign, thereby promoting public health and reducing environmental pollution. Furthermore, she advised against the use of plastic bags and containers for food and beverages at home to safeguard personal health.

Highlighting the media's crucial role in raising awareness about environmental and health issues, the senior minister emphasized the need for citizens and media cooperation for the campaign's success. She concluded by reiterating the chief minister's directive, emphasizing the June 5 deadline for the complete ban on plastic bag usage.

Besides Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, all deputy commissioners attended the meeting via video link.

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[dgpr-punjab-newsroom]

With compliments from, The Directorate General Public Relations, Government of the Punjab, Lahore Ph. 99201390.

No.1068/DN/Mujahid

Handout (A)

OMBUDSMAN PUNJAB PROVIDES RS13.6 MILLION RELIEF TO 13 PLAINTIFFS

Lahore, April 18:

In compliance with the orders of Ombudsman Punjab Maj (r) Azam Suleman Khan, district accounts officer, chief executive officers of district health & education authorities; municipal corporation, chief engineer (central zone), building department; rescue 1122 and chairman district benevolent fund board have disbursed more than Rs.13.6 million to various applicants.

In a statement issued here today, the spokesperson reported that 13 applicants from different districts submitted applications to the Office of the Ombudsman Punjab, stating that despite multiple attempts to obtain family pensions, monthly assistance and other dues from relevant departments, they have failed to get their legal right.

Acting upon the directive of Ombudsman Maj (r) Azam Suleman Khan, the concerned departments have disbursed the long-awaited dues to the applicants. The plaintiffs have thanked the Office of the Ombudsman Punjab for ensuring their legal rights.

#ombudsmanpunjab #mohtasibpunjab

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With compliments from, The Directorate General Public Relations,

Government of the Punjab, Lahore Ph. 99201390.

 

No.499/Zafar/Mujahid

HANDOU (A)

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Meets Russian Ambassador Albert Khorev

Lahore, 18 April, 2024 : Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif met with the Ambassador of Russia Albert Khorev in which matters pertaining to agriculture, technology,trade and mutual interests were discussed. Over all situation in the region also came under discussion. The Russian Ambassador Albert Khorev congratulated CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif on being elected as the first woman Chief Minister. The Chief Minister said, “We want to enhance bilateral trade in order to further strengthen Pakistan- Russia relations. We want to benefit from the agricultural expertise of Russia. We are keen to acquire  seeds from Russia so as to yield maximum production.” The Russian Ambassador said we want to elevate our relations with Pakistan to new heights. Albert Khorev maintained Pakistan is an old friend as well as an important country of the region.     

 

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PRESS RELEASE

April 20, 22 papers of Inter (1st annual) Exams rescheduled due to by-elections

LAHORE, April 17:

Due to the holding of by-elections in Lahore, Kasur and Sheikhupura, the Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education Lahore has announced to reschedule the dates of Intermediate (1st Annual) Examinations 2024 scheduled for Saturday, April 20, in the subjects of Chemistry, Geology, Health & Physical Education, Statistics and Library Science. The papers will now be held on Thursday, May 23.

Similarly, the English (Compulsory) paper, originally scheduled for Monday, April 22, will now be conducted on Saturday, May 25.

A notification in this regard has been uploaded on the Lahore Board's website.

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With compliments from, The Directorate General Public Relations,

Government of the Punjab, Lahore Ph. 99201390.

No.495/Zafar/Mujahid

HANDOU (A)

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Directs to Ensure Early Construction, Rehabilitation of Lahore’s Streets, Bazars Along with Provision of Streetlights and Completion of Drainage Projects Within 03 Months

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered to ensure early completion of the Lahore Development plan and directed to undertake construction, rehabilitation of Lahore's streets, bazars along with provision of street lights and completion of drainage projects within three months. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a special meeting to review progress being made on the Lahore Development Plan. A comprehensive briefing was given on the construction and rehabilitation of Lahore's streets, roads, sanitation and other affairs. It was decided to undertake monitoring of Lahore Development Plan through the Geographical Information System. The NesPak and Environment specialists would also provide assistance in the Lahore Development Plan. It was informed during the meeting that the projects pertaining to environment protection, restoration of parks and their beauty are also included in the Lahore Development Plan. Madam CM highlighted that construction and rehabilitation of roads being neglected for a long period of time would be undertaken. She said, “I want to see all the streets and bazaars neat and clean. The issues of the sewerage system should also be fixed.” Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Former Senator Parvez Rasheed, Provincial Ministers Bilal Yasin, Syed Ashiq Kirmani, MPA Sania Ashiq, Principal Secretary to CM, Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Lahore attended the meeting.

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With compliments from, The Directorate General Public Relations,

Government of the Punjab, Lahore Ph. 99201390.

No.1052/Tauseef Sabih Gondal/Mujahid

HANDOU (A)

10 THOUSAND PLUS PLACES INSPECTED IN 2 DAYS IN PUNJAB, ROTI AND NAAN ARE AVAILABLE AT NOTIFIED PRICE IN 80% AREA: BILAL YASIN

423 VIOLATERS ARRESTED, FINES OF MORE THAN 60 LAKH RUPEES IMPOSED: FOOD MINISTER PUNJAB

RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS COMPLETED THEIR WORKING BEFORE FIXING PRICES OF ROTI AND NAAN.

PROVINCIAL FOOD MINISTER BILAL YASIN AND MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND CULTURE UZMA BUKHARI ADDRESSED A JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE IN LAHORE

Lahore April 17: It is our mission to provide affordable Roti to the people and we will make this campaign successful. For the first time in the history of the country, the price of flour has been reduced remarkably and it's fruits will be passed on to the public. Over 10,000 locations were checked in two days, out of which 20 percent were found to be in violation and immediate action was taken. In Punjab, 423 violators have been arrested and fined more than 60 lakh rupees. These views were expressed by Provincial Minister for Food Bilal Yasin and Minister for Information and Culture Uzma Bukhari in a joint press conference at DGPR headquarters here on Wednesday. Answering the questions of journalists on this occasion, the Food Minister said that Roti and Naan are available at Notified prices in 80% places in Punjab, for which the administration is working day and night. He said that before reducing the prices of roti and naan, the Department of Industry, Agriculture and Food worked out all the statistics and then notified the new rates. The food minister further said that the sole objective of our government is to provide relief to the people and the government is committed to further reduce the price of roti as per the instructions of the Punjab Chief Minister. He said that the wheat procurement drive will be on merit and the government will give all possible relief to the farmer. The Food Minister said that the notified price of wheat is Rs 3900 per 40Kg for which the moisture content has been kept up to 10%. Punjab is fulfilling the wheat requirement of the whole country performing the role of elder brother. The government is bringing a historic package for farmers in the form of Kissan Card, which will reduce the cost of agricultural input and ultimately bring relief to every citizen as the price of crops decreases. Provincial Minister of Information Uzma Bukhari said that intelligence is required even to copy somebody for but our opponents lack that capability. They are copying every good initiative of the Punjab government while also criticizing it unnecessarily. She said that all the provinces copy the Chief Minister of Punjab. There will be no compromise in providing relief to the people. For the first time in Punjab, a government has taken a bold step on the issue of Roti. Maryam Nawaz is concerned about the common man, she is concerned that the common man should get cheap Roti. We are happy because all these things are being done for the good of the people. The entire administration is currently in the field and availability of cheap roti and naan at notified prices is being ensured. She said that in the beginning there are difficulties in every work, when it comes to giving relief to the common man, obstacles are also thrown. The word impossible does not exist in the dictionary of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. All stakeholders are on board and the government aims to provide all possible relief to the people.

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With the compliments of the Directorate General Public Relations, Government of the Punjab,Lahore.

Ph:99201390

No1056/Amir Rauf Khawaja/Mujahad

HANDOUT(A)

Chief Minister, Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif's “Transforming Punjab Agriculture Program” will be a game changer for agricultural development and farmers' prosperity. Minister for Agriculture, Punjab Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani

Lahore: 17 April:.. Provincial Minister for Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani chaired a high level meeting at Agriculture House Lahore in which the plan related to Punjab Kisan Card and transfer of Agricultural Tube Wells to solar system was finalized.

On the occasion, Minister for Agriculture, Punjab Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said that Chief Minister, Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif's “Transforming Punjab Agriculture Program” will prove to be a game changer for agricultural development and farmers' prosperity. 150 billion rupees have been allocated for the provision of interest free loans to 5 lakh farmers, through which 0.150 million rupees will be provided to the farmers (owners/tenants/contractors) for timely purchase of agricultural inputs during one crop season. Under this scheme, 5 to 12.5 acres Farmers who will be provided with farmer-friendly loans. Apart from this, 10 billion rupees have been allocated for the transfer of 5,000 tubewells to solar systems in Punjab. Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani added that after the conversion of these tube wells to solar system, the farmers will get relief from spending on expensive electricity units and their cost of production will come down significantly. Also, under this program, 7,300 water courses will be leveled at a cost of 60 billion rupees in the province during the next two years and laser land levelers will be provided to farmers for leveling the land at a subsidized rate.

On this occasion, Secretary Agriculture, Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said that digitalized loans are being provided to the farmers. Under this program the Agriculture Department will play the role of a facilitator and loans will be provided by Bank of Punjab through issued credit card. Keeping in view the available water and other technical reports, the tube wells will be transferred to the solar system. Apart from this, reforms will be introduced in the agricultural research institutes under the Transforming Punjab Agriculture Program.

The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Agriculture Dr. Shahshah Faisal Azim, Additional Secretary Agriculture (Planning) Captain (R) Waqas Rashid, Director General Agriculture Extension Dr. Ishtiaq Hasan, Chief Scientist Ayub Agricultural Research Institute Faisalabad Dr. Sajid-ur- Rehman, Director General Agriculture (Water Management) Malik Muhammad Akram, Director General Agriculture Field Engineer Sohail Ahmed, Consultant Agriculture Department Dr. Anjum Ali and Director Agricultural Information, Punjab Naveed Asmat Kahloon and other officers.

[dgpr-punjab-newsroom]

With compliments from, The Directorate General Public Relations,

Government of the Punjab, Lahore Ph. 99201390.

No.1051/Tayyab/Mujahid

HANDOU (A)

CHAUDHRY SHAFAY HUSSAIN VISITS PUNJAB TIANJIN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY LAHORE

Lahore April 17: Provincial Minister of Industry and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain visited Punjab Tianjin University of Technology Township. Reviewed the teaching process, inspected various departments and labs of the university. Vice Chancellor University Dr. Rauf Azam gave a briefing about the teaching process, performance and challenges in the university.

Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister of Industry and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said that there is a great demand for skilled manpower in the global market. A plan was evolved to improve the quality of technical education and send skilled manpower to foreign countries for employment. Technical education institutions will be brought up to international standards. Initially, three colleges of TEVTA will be upgraded. He said that the cooperation of the university with the industry and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry should be increased and new agreement documents should be prepared with China for the teaching process in the university. The provincial minister directed that work should be done on providing artificial intelligence, microchip manufacturing and solar technology training in the university. He said that more improvements will be made in the labs of the university. It is necessary to develop an ecosystem to provide legal protection to the technical graduates. The Punjab government will provide support for the approval of the National Technology Council of Pakistan Act by the Parliament. A plan to introduce one-year and two-year courses in textile designing will also be made. The provincial minister also directed to improve the lighting system in the university. The provincial minister also planted saplings in the university regarding the plantation campaign. Senior Economic Advisor Javed Iqbal, DG Punjab Skill Development Authority, Sahibzadi Wasima Umar, University administration and faculty members were also present in the meeting.

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[dgpr-punjab-newsroom]

PRESS RELEASE

CM Maryam Nawaz is greatly concerned to change the plight of a comon man in Punjab: Azma Bokhari

Lahore, April 17: Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari said in a press conference along with Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yasin that

Maryam Nawaz has become a trendsetter in Pakistan, all other provinces copy her and there will be no compromise in the matter of providing relief to the people. For the first time in Punjab, a government has taken a bold step on the issue of bread. Maryam Nawaz is greatly concerned about the plight of a common man and she is concerned that the common man should get bread at a subsidized rate. We are pleased that public welfare steps are being undertaken across the province. During the last 6 years, no one has deliberated as what the price of roti should be or should roti be provided at a subsidized rate. Maryam Nawaz is taking practical steps to improve the life of a common man. The entire administration is currently present in the field and availability of cheap roti and naan at notified prices is being ensured. She said that in the beginning, there are difficulties in every work, when it comes to providing relief to the common man, obstacles are also created. The word impossible does not exist in the dictionary of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has not yet told as what it is doing for the people. She further said that if you did not remember to reduce the price of bread during the last 10 years and remembered it while seeing Maryam Nawaz, then why do they feel ashamed now. Whatever Maryam Nawaz announces, she fulfills it under any circumstance. Maryam Nawaz Sharif gave Ramadan Nigheban package which was copied by the KPK government and later denied it. I will ask Barrister Saif, dont you know that the Health Card is a project of Nawaz Sharif as it was launched by Nawaz Sharif. On the one hand they say that we will also buy an air ambulance, then they say that there is no need for it.

We proudly put pictures of Nawaz Sharif on flour bags as he remained the Prime Minister for 3 times. He has done what no one else has done for the country. Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin said that it is our mission to provide roti at Rs 16 and nan at Rs 20.The common man is very happy over this decision. People were overjoyed when they heard about this announcement. I am myself in the field and trying to ensure availability of cheap roti and naan at the notified price. The price of a 20 kg flour bag has been reduced by Rs 500. All this did not happen overnight, it has been worked diligently and the whole team has done their homework. If the benefit of flour being cheap does not reach to the common man, then it is of no use. Around 10,000 sites have been checked at different locations in two days. He said that complaints were received at more than 2500 places and arrests were made and fines were also imposed. On a daily basis I myself go out and visit different parts of the city and check its implementation. I feel sorrow that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is criticizing this public welfare step as doing undue criticism in public welfare projects is beyond comprehension. The Provincial Food Minister further said that all possible measures will be taken to ensure cheap bread. We have to rid the poor man from the burden of inflation. In the coming days, efforts will be made to further reduce the price of roti and naan. We are also going to introduce Kissan Card. Farmers will be given a huge package in the shape of Kissan Card. How to provide subsidized fertilizer to the farmer is being worked on. Our government will not allow injustice to be meted out to anyone.

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