Pakistan to be made into industrial state, agro-based economy: PM Imran

Premier says government collaborating with China in learning newn agricultural techniques under CPEC

SAHIWAL:

Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that efforts were underway to turn Pakistan into an industrial state and an agro-based economy, to ensure sustainable development and prosperity.

Addressing a cheque-distribution ceremony under the Ehsaas programme and tractors under the Kamyab Jawan programme in Sahiwal, the premier said the government was collaborating with China in learning new agricultural techniques under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

On the launch of Rs 18 billion developments in Sahiwal, he said the government was firm on the uplift of under-developed areas of the country.

The premier said Sahiwal would be provided best facilities in the fields of health, education, road infrastructure and social welfare.

The prime minister said Punjab had immense potential for development in agriculture and livestock sectors.

“The Ehsaas programme is meant to provide safety net to the lower income households,” the premier said while speaking at the gathering.

He maintained that his PTI-led government under the welfare programme is aiming to provide universal health care.

“Even developed countries don’t have universal health coverage,” he maintained, adding “This govt is focusing on provision of health as well as education.”

While speaking about the effects of the ongoing pandemic in other countries, PM Imran referred to the Lebanon protests. He said that among the protestors’ demands was the unfair distribution of compensation money paid during the Covid-19 lockdown.”

 

Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses the Ehsaas and Kamyab Jawan programme ceremony in Sahiwal

Posted by Express Tribune on Friday, January 29, 2021

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“We distributed Rs180 billion to the masses. There was not a single complaint about the compensation process being politically motivated," He said most of the funds were distributed in Sindh, even though the PTI does not have its government in the province, "because the process was based on merit.”

'Lahore's biggest qabza group'

PM Imran also congratulated Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and his team on successfully tackling "Lahore's biggest qabza group".

The premier's statement was a reference to the demolition of 'illegal construction' at Khokhar Palace - the residence of former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Saiful Malook Khokhar - last week.

The premier blamed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for providing patronage to 'land mafia'.

According to the premier, no country in the world has progressed without the implementation of the rule of law. "Only countries that uphold the rule of law progress," he said.

Throwng his weight behind the provincial chief minister, the PM said people say he is a shy public official, does not give speeches, adding that "...this is the job he does. And these are the kind of issues that need to be tackled.  

With additional input from APP