PM directs CM Buzdar to 'maximise relief' for masses

Premier on day-long visit to Lahore; asks chief minister to ensure protection of peoples' rights, lives and property

LAHORE:

Prime Minister Imran Khan directed Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Wednesday to take effective measures to provide maximum relief to the people of Punjab, and ensure quality services to them.

PM Imran also asked the chief minister to ensure the protection of rights, lives and property of the people and to take stern action against encroachers, hoarders and miscreants.

The premier's directives came during a day-long visit to Lahore, where he was also briefed about development projects being carried out across the province.

Matters pertaining to civil administration and law and order were also discussed in the meeting.

Since last week, political parties have beefed up activities in the provincial capital ahead of the local government elections in Punjab.

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The PTI-led provincial government has reportedly initiated several development projects in almost all parts of the metropolis and major cities as part of its electioneering strategy.

On the other hand, the senior leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) are working in close coordination to jointly counter the ruling PTI in the upcoming local government elections.

A week before that, CM Buzdar chaired a consultative meeting with respect to the local government elections in Punjab. The meeting was also attended by several federal ministers.

It reviewed proposals related to the upcoming local body polls and party affairs.

The officials agreed to nominate strong candidates in consultation with the party and underscored that real leadership could emerge at the grassroots with party-based elections, and that direct elections would bring about a real change in the local bodies' politics.

Buzdar claimed that serving the people was the PTI's only agenda.