Uplift of construction sector govt’s top priority: PM

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday held a series of meetings on the construction sector, Single National Curriculum (SNC), selection of Pakistan Cricket Board chairman as well as attracting foreign investment.

While chairing a review meeting on supply and demand of basic commodities, construction material, and price stability, Premier Imran said, “Uninterrupted progress in the development of the construction sector, especially in low-cost houses, is the top priority of the government.

“Every possible step should be taken to ensure supply and stability in the prices of these commodities.”

Federal Minister for Finance Shaukat Tarin, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Khusro Bakhtiar, New Pakistan Housing Authority Chairman (retd) Lieutenant General Anwar Ali Haider, and other senior officials were in attendance.

The meeting also discussed the supply and demand situation of cement and led in the country and also the issues related to supply and demand of basic commodities like ghee.

Addressing the meeting, PM Imran said that all possible steps should be taken to ensure uninterrupted supply as per the demand for raw materials used in construction as well as basic commodities like ghee and to ensure stability in the prices of these commodities.

In a separate meeting on SNC, Imran said the best solution to all social problems lies in following the Seerat of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), emphasising that besides Islamic history, children should be taught the golden principles of his life.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Dr Shahbaz Gill, Parliamentary Secretary Wajiha Akram, and senior officials of the ministry.

The prime minister said the Prophet's Seerat was a beacon for all the coming generations with its specific emphasis on ethics, morality, and mannerism.

He directed for finalisation of the curriculum for grades VI to XII by the end of this year, in consultation with provinces.

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He expressed satisfaction over the performance of the Ministry of Education in implementing the national curriculum and emphasised its constant review and necessary changes.

Mahmood gave a detailed briefing on the inclusion of content related to the teachings of Seeratun Nabi (PBUH) in the curriculum.

He mentioned that scholars, belonging to various religious schools of thought, had been consulted in detail.

The meeting was informed that focus had also been laid on the quality of teachers' training and a better examination system.

In another meeting, PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani and former Test cricketer Rameez Raja called on the prime minister.

Imran apprised Mani of his decision, hinting at the decision to make Raja the PCB chairman.
Raja will be nominated as a member of the PCB Board of Governors after which the governing board will elect a new chairman.

According to sources, Mani and Raja met the PM separately at the PM House.

On this occasion, the current situation and problems of Pakistan cricket were discussed.

Mani briefed the PM on cricket matters and the steps were taken during his tenure to revive international cricket and change the structure of domestic cricket.

According to sources, PM Imran informed the decision not to extend the incumbent PCB Chairman Mani for the next three years and to hand over the responsibilities of the PCB chairman to Raja.

The prime minister sought Raja's priorities and shared his vision for the betterment of cricket.
Sources said that Rameez Raja's name will be forwarded to the PCB Board of Governors as a member, and the board will elect him as the new PCB chairman.

Mani's three-year term as PCB chairman ends on September 4. The prime minister appreciated the services of Mani.

In another meeting, PM Imran directed to pay special attention to projects like the Ravi River Project, Central Business District as well as tourism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Northern Areas, the promotion of domestic mineral resources, IT and religious tourism and attracting international investment in these sectors.

A review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Imran on Pakistan's participation in Expo 2020 in Dubai and preparations being made in this regard.

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The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry, Trade Adviser to the Prime Minister Abdul Razzaq Dawood, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr Shahbaz Gill, secretaries of relevant ministries, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan chief executive, and other senior officials.

The meeting was informed that Pakistan's full participation in this international expo will open up new avenues for trade and investment where the international community will be introduced to various aspects of Pakistan.

The meeting was informed that the expo would start on October 1, 2021, and continue for six consecutive months. The prime minister was given a detailed briefing on the Pakistani pavilion and its various parts.

PM Imran called for special attention to be paid to highlighting the rich investment opportunities in Pakistan during the expo.

The prime minister directed that with the active participation of all the provinces including Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, important provincial projects should be highlighted during the expo.

The prime minister also directed all the provincial governments to finalise the preparations for the expo as soon as possible.