PM unveils plans for upgraded Panahgahs

Directs concerned departments to expedite work on their construction

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday broke ground for the construction of new Panahgahs (shelter homes) in the federal capital and unveiled final plans for these upgraded spaces for the city’s poor segments.

The government is building four new Panahgahs in Tarlai, Tarnol, G-9 and Mandi More areas of Islamabad, adjacent to existing facilities, on the special instructions of the prime minister.

On the occasion, the premier lauded the Ehsaas team, Capital Development Authority (CDA), National College of Arts (NCA) and other departments for their collaborative efforts. He also instructed all concerned authorities to ensure speedy execution of the said project.

He also underlined the importance of providing good quality food and best services to those staying at Panahgahs.

He directed the concerned departments to provide Ehsaas services at Panahgahs, and also emphasised the importance of imparting skill development training to enable the people to become contributing citizens of the society.

The premier also urged all departments involved in this project to replicate this collaboration in the provinces.

Earlier, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Special Initiatives Senator Dr Sania Nishtar briefed Prime Minister Imran on the new strategic plan of Panahgahs, which includes construction, furnishing, governance, execution, digital monitoring, capacity-building and financing.

“In addition to ‘bed, breakfast and meals’ facilities for labourers, these Panahgahs will also have Ehsaas One Window Centres to enable labourers and the underprivileged class to benefit from the government’s social welfare programmes,” she said.

Read PM for special care facilities in Panagahs

The CDA has given land on concessional rates to Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division.
On Wednesday, samples of furniture and fixtures for new Panahgahs were also displayed at the venue.

Prior to his address, the premier unveiled a plaque and a model for the Panahgah. To redesign their structure and furniture, Ehsaas collaborated with NCA Lahore. The new design incorporates a bigger kitchen, cold storage, reception, lobby, waiting areas, and enhanced capacity to offer food and shelter to those in need.

Separately, PM Imran on Wednesday said that Pakistan and Norway had excellent relations and Norwegians of the Pakistani origin formed a strong bridge between the two countries.

He said there was potential for increased collaboration in political, economic and other areas of mutual interest.

The prime minister was talking Norwegian Ambassador Per Albert Ilsaas who called on him. The envoy extended greetings on behalf of the Norwegian prime minister and felicitated PM Imran on successful holding of the 17th Extraordinary Session of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers.

The prime minister extended an invitation to his Norwegian counterpart to undertake a visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

While chairing a meeting on Kharif crops, the premier directed the authorities concerned to take all possible measures to improve acreage and harvest of all crops to ensure food security in the country.

He said the government was focused on enhancing per acre yield of crops by adopting better farming techniques and investing in research and development to produce better quality inputs like seeds and fertilisers.