‘Coronavirus pandemic requires special care, responsibility’

Buzdar inspects proposed small dam project at Choti Karri Mar in Koh-e-Suleman area

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said the coronavirus pandemic situation required special attention and responsibility and those who were treating the patients were the real heroes of humanity.

He expressed these views during his visit to different areas of Taunsa Sharif city on Friday. The CM appealed to the citizens to stay indoors and not to go out without any need.

Buzdar also inspected different arrangements including the implementation of Section 144, coronavirus pandemic, law and order and cleanliness at hospitals.

“The administration and law enforcement agencies are also playing a commendable role in this regard and we salute those who diligently serving the nation despite the threat of coronavirus,” he said.

“The government is keeping a vigilant eye on the economic situation and the poor will not be left alone. Provision of financial aid to the needy families through Insaf Imdad Programme is a national record,” he said.

Notables of Taunsa Sharif also called on the chief minister. The CM listened to their problems and issued instructions for the redressal of their complaints. Speaking on the occasion, he said Pakistan and the whole world was facing challenges due to coronavirus and the citizens will have to adjust their daily routine in this backdrop.

“This deadly disease can be defeated by maintaining social distancing and staying at home,” he added. He highlighted that the Punjab government has taken several steps and the citizens should also follow the governmental instructions to remain safe.

Buzdar regretted that the opposition was trying to politicise things while the people have fully recognised their dual standards. “Opposition parties have ignored the national interest for the sake of their interests,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, the chief minister also visited Vehoa, a remote area in DG Khan and inspected the Rural Health Centre. He also inspected the isolation ward for coronavirus patients and directed authorities to improve the facilities.

The chief minister announced to upgrade the RHC to the level of a tehsil headquarters hospital and directed to construct the link road as well.

On the occasion, he assured the health centre administration that advance medical facilities would be provided to develop it into a model medical institution of the area.

He inspected the under-constructed buildings of Rescue 1122 and college and directed the department concerned to complete the projects at the earliest. The chief minister also inspected the Border Military Police post where he was given a briefing by the in-charge.

During the visit, different people also called the chief minister. The CM asked them to adopt social distancing principle, adding that they should follow precautionary measures to remain safe from the pandemic. “There is no option of losing the battle against coronavirus and it will be won with the support of the people,” the CM said.

He also inspected the proposed small dam project at Choti Karri Mar in Koh-e-Suleman area. On this occasion, people of the area gathered around Buzdar and discussed their issues.

On their demand, CM directed the commissioner to construct a school while meeting other demands including veterinary doctors, medicines and supply of wheat and flour. He issued directives to the commissioner to resolve the complaints of the local people who came to him (Buzdar) with applications in their hands.

The CM reviewed the project of constructing a water reservoir near Sanghar stream and observed that Koh-e-Sulaiman area has the rich potential of small dams to provide water for human needs. He asked the irrigation department to work on a war-footing basis for the construction of small dams. He also had an aerial view of different roads and under-construction projects in Koh-e-Sulaiman area.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2020.