Friday, March 29, 2024

Chapter of unfair distribution of development funds closed: Punjab CM Buzdar

Chapter of unfair distribution of development funds closed: Punjab CM Buzdar
June 13, 2020
LAHORE (92 News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar at CM's Office on Saturday. Matters regarding mutual interest, political situation, steps taken to deal with Corona as well as setting up of secretariat in Southern Punjab were discussed during the meeting. The two leaders also strongly condemned the Indian atrocities in Occupied Kashmir and the unprovoked firing by the Indian Army on the Line of Control. Usman Buzdar said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the federal government has presented an excellent, balanced and people-friendly budget, in difficult times. He also congratulated Prime Minister Imran Khan, Federal Minister Hammad Azhar and his team. He said that opposition should avoid criticism for the sake of criticism on the tax-free budget. He further maintained that the priorities have been rightly set in the budget and best budget has been presented in the present circumstances. The budget does not put additional burden on the poor and underprivileged segment of the society. The chief minister said that the posts for Add. Chief Secretary and Additional IG for South Punjab Secretariat have been approved and notification has been issued in this regard. Add. Chief Secretary and Additional IG will be posted in Bahawalpur and Multan. Southern Punjab Secretariat will be functional soon. “People of Southern Punjab will not have to travel to Lahore for the solution of their issues. The government is giving back the right to the people of South Punjab which were robbed by the former rulers and for many years they just entertained them merely with hollow slogans,” he maintained. He said that the former rulers used the funds taken in the name of development of South Punjab in their constituencies, whereas, PTI government has closed the chapter of unfair distribution of development funds. “The government is fulfilling its promises made with the people of South Punjab and keeping its focus on the development of the backward areas. 35% development funds have been allocated for South Punjab. The budget allocated for the Southern Punjab cannot be utilized for any other purpose. The funds of Southern Punjab will only be spent on development and prosperity of the people of southern Punjab.” He said that India wants to push the region into the war by levelling baseless allegations. “Attacks on civil areas are highly commendable and a clear violation of international laws. India is escalating tension with cowardice activates. India is bewildered by committing inhumane activities in occupied Kashmir,” he added. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the establishment of the Southern Punjab Secretariat will provide relief to the people of that area. “The establishment of the Secretariat would solve the problems of the people at the grass root level besides bringing improvement in the governance.” He said that confused India wants to destroy peace in the region. “The struggle of Kashmiri jawans against India in Occupied Kashmir will become successful. Kashmir and Pakistan are essential for each other. The Indian government has made a new history of brutality by inflicting extreme cruelties on the innocent Kashmiris,” he concluded.