'Sense of deprivation, neglect in South Punjab will be removed'

PM Imran Khan says government taking steps to provide drinking water to people of the region

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that the government will remove the sense of deprivation and neglect of the people of south Punjab, which remained mired in backwardness due to the failure of the governance system in the past, disregard for merit and inequitable distribution of resources.

Speaking to a delegation of National Assembly members from Bahawalpur Division, led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief whip Malik Muhammad Amir Dogar, he maintained that protection of farmers' rights and provision of education and health facilities would be ensured, according to a press release.

He said the youth of the region would be trained in skills and provided jobs, ushering in a new era of progress and prosperity in the whole province.

The prime minister informed the delegation about steps taken by the federal and provincial governments for providing clean drinking water to the people of the region.

He said the government was determined to empower the people at the grass-roots level. He said that due to negligence of the previous governments, the country had been facing numerous social and economic challenges.

Due to the efforts of the present government, foreign investors and famous investment companies were now investing in Pakistan, he said.  He expressed optimism that in future there would be an economically and socially stable and prosperous Pakistan.

PM Imran also advised the elected members to keep regular contact with the people in their constituencies so that their issues could be resolved immediately. The members expressed their gratitude to the prime minister for taking keen interest in the issues of south Punjab and apprised him of development projects, problems faced by the farmers, education and health facilities, water issues and employment opportunities.

They also appreciated the constitution of a committee by the prime minister, comprising members of the National Assembly at the divisional level. The committee would ensure resolution of local issues in consultation with the leadership of the area under the supervision of the provincial government in accordance with public expectations.

Special Assistant to PM on Political Affairs Naeemul Haq was also present. The delegation included Muhammad Abdul Ghaffar Wattoo, Muhammad Farooq Azam Khan, Makhdoom Syed Samiul Hassan Gilani, Syed Mubeen Ahmed and Chaudhry Javed Iqbal. APP