Playing to the gallery during his visit to the region, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Thursday that the issue of Bahawalpur province will be resolved in consultation with local leaders and stakeholders and in accordance with public demand.
A committee has been formed by President Asif Ali Zardari to look into the formation of new provinces and the final decision will be taken once the committee submits its recommendations, he said.
The premier said the government is making all-out efforts for the development of southern Punjab and the area’s resources will be utilised for its development.
Addressing journalists at Circuit House, Bahawalpur, Gilani asked for the bullet-proof glass at the podium to be removed, saying there should be no obstruction between himself and the people.
Karachi situation
The present government is trying its best to control law and order in the country, particularly in Karachi, said Gilani.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Sindh cabinet have authorised the president to negotiate with political parties for maintaining law and order in Karachi, he said.
On Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain’s latest statement asking Karachi’s residents to stock up rations, the premier said there is freedom of speech in this democratic system and there are no restrictions on anyone.
He also said that electricity shortage will be resolved soon since a number of projects are under construction while several more are in the pipeline.
Projects inaugurated
Earlier, the premier inaugurated a telecom project which will provide internet and telephone facilities to remote areas of the Multan and Bahawalpur division.
He also awarded certificates to successful candidates of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, and Islamia University, Bahawalpur, who recently received information technology (IT) training from Pakistan Software Export Board and the Universal Fund Service.
Gilani also announced to set up an IT University at Bahawalpur and its sub-campuses in Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalnagar districts to meet future challenges
and provide better educational facilities to students of the area.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 5th, 2011.
COMMENTS (4)
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i went to rahimyarkhan some support bahawalpur some seraiki and some punjab people are confused
I am very afraid having heard, as prime minister said, Pakistan is in a position to export wheat, oh no, should not export it poor people of the country are needful for that provide them on cheaper rates, that is good, why you deprive them from wheat,after deprivation of gas,electricity and clean water.
I would like to advice you herein provide the wheat to poor people on delightful prices,it is better than export.
No water, no power, no gas, no jobs, no security, no fair leaders rising prices. Its better if we were just to move into the Saharan Desert instead of new provinces.
Not for the people its just an election stunt which will be flopped 100%. Why it is happening after 3 and more than half years of Govt.? This PPP Govt. did nothing for people.