The CM said that there was a need to increase contacts among parliamentarians for strengthening ties between the two countries. PHOTO: INP
He was addressing a meeting through video link to review flood preparations.
“No negligence or laxity will be tolerated. Federal and provincial departments should coordinate their efforts and remain vigilant to cope with an emergency. Information about the river situation and weather should be shared,” the CM said.
He said that district administrations should monitor arrangements being made for dealing with potential floods. “There should be no lack of coordination among federal and provincial institutions. Stern action will be taken in case of any negligence. All precautionary arrangements should be completed in districts. People should be immediately evacuated in case of floods,” the CM said.
Shahbaz Sharif directed that Cabinet Sub-Committee on Floods to also visit south Punjab to review the arrangements. “The project to save people from flooding of Nullah Aik should be completed within a year. The required resources will be provided for increasing the capacity of torrent,” he said.
He said that the project should be completed on a priority basis. He directed officials to monitor the inflow of water at the dams.
He directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to maintain stocks of relief goods. “Action will be taken against those making illegal breaches in bunds,” he said.
The chief minister directed district administrations to arrange for medicines, vaccination and fodder for animals. “The government has released Rs100 million for coping with any flood emergency. Arrangements should be made for delivering food, medicines and fodder to any district that is hit by floods,” the CM said.
Shahbaz Sharif said that Cabinet Committee on Floods should ensure the availability of boats and dewatering sets. “Timely provision of machinery and equipment should be ensured in any emergent situation. A control room should be operational round the clock,” he said.
Members of the Cabinet Committee on Floods, the National Disaster Management Authority chairman, the Meteorological Department director general, the Irrigation Department secretary, commissioners and DCOs also attended the meeting.
The Meteorological Department DG briefed the meeting about the weather situation.
Turkish MP: Turkish Parliament member Burhan Kayaturk met the CM on Saturday. Bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries were discussed at the meeting. The chief minister said that there were strong ties between Pakistan and Turkey. “Friendship between Pakistan and Turkey is trustworthy. The two countries have stood with each other in difficult circumstances,” the CM said.
He said that Turkish people had played an exemplary role in saving democracy in their country. “Several Turkish companies are working in collaboration with the Punjab government,” he said.
The CM said that there was a need to increase contacts among parliamentarians for strengthening ties between the two countries. Kayaturk thanked people, government and political leaders of Pakistan for supporting the rule of law and democracy in Turkey.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 31st, 2016.
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