Buzdar vows to develop Southern Punjab

Criticises previous government for ignoring less-developed areas like DG Khan

DERA GHAZI KHAN: Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has said South Punjab had been deprived of development due to the policies of the previous government. He said the circumstances led to a sense of deprivation among the people.

He expressed these views while addressing an inaugural ceremony for different development projects and the distribution of Insaf Sehat Cards at Ghazi Medical College on Saturday. Criticising the previous regime, Buzdar said despite the tall claims, laborious speeches and visits, the condition of the common man did not improve. “We will bring the positive change in the lives of the public,” the CM vowed.

The chief minister said he would not boast about his work, but would display tangible performance to solve the issues of common man. “I belong to DG Khan and I am well aware of all the problems of this area. I am the voice of my people and I am representing them while sitting in Lahore,” he said. “The PTI government gives priority to development and progress in Dera Ghazi Khan and other districts of South Punjab. In the same way, we place importance on development across Punjab.”

“I am personally representing all the undeveloped districts of South Punjab, including Dera Ghazi Khan and will take all measures necessary for the welfare of poor people,” he said.

“Dera Ghazi will be the most developed division of Punjab in a short period of time. I will not boast about my work. I will make sincere efforts for the development of South Punjab,” he said. “I can feel the pain of the deprived people of my area. Dera Ghazi Khan has been declared as a model district for the health sector. The historic development package for Dera Ghazi Khan was announced during my visit and further development will be ensured in this area.”

“We will bring about real change in the lives of the people. A lot of work is being done. It will take time, but the pleasant change will visible in this area,” Buzdar said. The chief minister added the two-way Muzaffargarh-DG Khan Road would be completed by next month. He said PTI would improve the living standards of the people. “The old tricks will not work now because people have been changed.”

Addressing the ceremony, he said he would resolve the issues of the area. “We will talk less and work more. Dera Ghazi Khan will be made the model division in a short period of time. The whole of Punjab, including DG Khan. will progress.” He said the PTI leadership would realise the dream of a prosperous Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said as many as 7.2 million people would be given Sehat Insaf Cards by the end of this year. “Transportation costs of people getting medical treatment will also be covered. The Sehat Insaf Cards programme has been initiated from four districts and will be extended to others in phases,” she said.

In her speech, Federal Environment Minister Zartag Gul said the people of DG Khan salute CM Usman Buzdar. Adviser on Health Muhammad Hanif Pitafi said CM Buzdar was not only a representative of DG Khan, but he was also the pride of the area.

In his address, Pitafi demanded the CM allocate funds to install a new sewerage system and establish a degree college for boys.