PM for third-party monitoring of Punjab’s uplift projects

Mausoleums across country are heritage sites, rehabilitation and preservation can promote religious tourism

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday directed for adopting scientific methods and a third-party vigilance to monitor the completion of development projects in Punjab, ordered formation of a comprehensive plan for the proper use of state lands around mausoleums in the province.

Imran chaired two back-to-back meetings via video link on the Punjab Development Package and development and management project of the mausoleum of Hazrat Data Ganj Bukhsh (RA) and the preservation, rehabilitation and beautification of the historic Badshahi Mosque.

The meetings were attended by Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, Provincial Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht, Adviser to Chief Minister Dr Salman Shah, Special Assistant Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, State Minister for Information Farrukh Habib, the Punjab chief secretary and others.

Imran said that the Prime Minister’s Office should be kept informed about the quarterly review and progress report of the Punjab Development Package. About the Universal Healthcare Insurance in Punjab, he emphasised on inclusion of common man in the system to help them fully avail the facility.

The prime minister called for laying special focus on the development package at the district level to ensure provision of facilities to the general public. He added that the officials at the district level and relevant departments were responsible for the timely completion of the projects.

Chief Minister Buzdar told the meeting that the rate of utilisation of funds from last year’s budget was 97%, which was a record in the last 10 years. A total of 5,889 schemes were completed during the previous fiscal year, he added.

The meeting was informed that the development budget of the province for this fiscal year was expected to create 350,000 jobs. It was highlighted that special attention had been paid to the promotion of agriculture and industries with their budget increased by almost 300 times.

Later, the prime minister presided over another meeting on the comprehensive development and management project of the mausoleum of Hazrat Data Ganj Bukhsh (RA) and the rehabilitation and beautification of Badshahi Mosque and other mausoleums in Punjab.

The prime minister received a briefing about the two projects. He directed the officials concerned to draw a comprehensive plan for the proper use of state lands around the mausoleums so that those could be utilised for hospitals and educational institutions.

The prime minister described mausoleums spread across the country as historical heritage sites, and stressed that the rehabilitation and preservation of these places was imperative for the promotion of religious tourism.

About the Data Darbar, the prime minister was told that the project, besides the provision of better facilities to the visitors, and improving infrastructure around the mausoleum would also help turn the place into a centre of religious tourism and education.

About the preservation and beautification of Badshahi Mosque, the meeting was informed that under the project improvement in Tabarruk Gallery, Quran Hall, courtyard and facilities for the Namazis would be ensured.
Also, Prime Minister Imran Khan said since environment protection was among the foremost priorities of the present government, tree plantation had very important role in that regard.

The measures taken by the Government of Pakistan for environment protection were being recognised at international level, he added while presiding over a meeting here regarding the monsoon tree plantation.
The prime minister was briefed in detail about the targets and strategy of the Punjab Government regarding the monsoon tree plantation. He was told that Punjab would play an effective role in the current monsoon tree plantation.

The meeting was informed that as against a mere 10 million saplings planted during 2016 to 2018 by the previous regime in Punjab, the present government had so far planted millions of saplings and trees in the province.

The provincial forests minister told the meeting that the Forests Department had set six-monthly targets for Greener Punjab.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan will deliver a keynote address at the United Nations High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development on Tuesday, underlining his vision over the Covid-19 pandemic, impacts upon economy and the climate change.

The prime minister will outline his vision for dealing with the triple challenge faced by the world today, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the reversal of economic progress and the existential threat posed by climate change.

He will also suggest measures that needed to be taken at the national and international level for an effective response to 'build back better', the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. APP