No one understands woes of South Punjab better than me: Punjab CM

Initially, complaints could be lodged at the specified numbers relating to health, education, police and DC office

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has underlined that no one could have the understanding of pain and suffering of Southern Punjab better than him as it was the most deprived and backward area of the province.

Following the inauguration of the Chief Minister’s Complaints Centre at his office on Wednesday by pressing the button and listened to a complaint of the citizen, the chief minister told media that he contested the election on July 25 and slept on the floor on July 27.

“You cannot imagine about the place where children study. I am a witness to the problems of Southern Punjab as I have been elected MPA from the most backward area. I have full awareness about the problems faced there,” he said and pointed out that electricity has been provided to his village and it will be provided to other localities as well.

He highlighted work was being done with regard to southern Punjab province and separate committees have been constituted in provincial and the federal level. “Prime Minister Imran Khan will announce southern Punjab package,” he indicated.

Responding to a question, he said no U-turn has been taken with regard to release of discretionary funds as a proper procedure was followed in this regard. “The government has to perform according to a procedure and expenditures are made thereof. All the matters pertaining to the government as well as the release of funds will be done through a transparent mechanism and we will be answerable for each and every penny,” he maintained.

Earlier addressing inauguration ceremony, Buzdar said that PTI government has fulfilled yet another promise as the complaints centre has been established in line.

Initially, complaints could be lodged at the specified numbers relating to health, education, police and deputy commissioner office. The scope of this centre would be extended to the whole of the province as providing an immediate solution to the citizens’ complaints is the top priority. With the launch of this facility citizens’ complaints will help to redress grievances at the level of districts, tehsils and villages, he added.

“I have also initiated an open-door policy in the offices and ‘chit system’ has been scrapped. I will personally monitor this centre,” he added.

The chief minister said that feedback of the media would also be collected and complaints will be solved within three days to two weeks. Immediate response will be received about the complaints lodged in this centre, he said.

Responding to a question, Buzdar said that a lot of work has been done on the draft of the new local government system and added that he has not given a final statement in this regard. The draft of the new local bodies system will be approved by the provincial cabinet and then it will be presented in the assembly.