‘Uplifting social sector necessary to put country on track’

Senior minister says government’s money has be spent with transparency

LAHORE:  

The government is determined to put the country on the track of progress and prosperity which is why we need to uplift the social sector, said Punjab Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan.

He expressed these views when Akhuwat Foundation Chairman Dr Amjad Saqib called on the minister on Wednesday.

Khan maintained that the government’s money has to be spent with transparency; the welfare of the masses needs to be given priority. We have to ensure that public funds are utilised with check and balance with no malpractice, he added.

He offered his cooperation for the Akhuwat Foundation’s poverty alleviation programme and received a detailed briefing on low cost housing models and other projects. He appreciated the non-profit’s performance and assured them that no project will be closed for any personal reasons.

Unfortunately, the previous regime initiated a number of projects just for corruption and commission. As the largest province, Punjab has major challenges which have to be met in the least amount of time possible.

He called upon other organisations working on Akhuwat Foundation’s pattern to come forward and join hands with the government for welfare activities. He maintained that the new local government system will also provide opportunities to undertake welfare projects. He lauded the efforts of the foundation’s chairman regarding micro loans and other schemes, assuring him of full cooperation from the Punjab government.

Akhuwat Foundation Chairman Dr Amjad Saqib highlighted the fact that his organisation has distributed micro loans amounting to Rs72 billion with a recovery rate of 99.99%. He also briefed the minister about various projects the foundation is currently running. He stated that the non-profit has been working with the provincial government on a public-private partnership and is willing to extend this cooperation in the future.

Meanwhile, MNA Sardar Amer Gopang from Muzaffargarh called on the senior minister and discussed a large number of issues in this area. He stated that the people have high hopes from the present government. Khan assured him that the government will fully cooperate to solve the problems in his area.