CM announces new district in Lahore

Administrative status for Murree, Taunsa also approved

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has approved in principle the carving out of three new districts and two tehsils in Punjab.

The chief minister revealed during an informal media interaction that the government had decided to split Lahore into two districts for better administrative control.

Similarly, Murree and Taunsa Sharif tehsils would be given the status of district.

In addition, two new tehsils will be carved out in Rawalpindi district, he added.

Chief Minister Buzdar said the new districts would be established for improving public welfare and governance.

He highlighted that the government had been working on the proposal for a long time.

A committee constituted for the purpose has put forth its recommendations.

Approval has also been granted for a proposal to reserve 20 per cent quota for girls from backward areas in nursing colleges to improve their employment opportunities, the chief minister added.

He also announced an increase in the annual grant of the Lahore Press Club to Rs20 million.

Meanwhile, speaking to lawmakers who called on him, including Dr Akhtar Malik, Khayal Ahmad Kastro, Ashraf Rind, Niaz Ahmad and Amir Nawaz Chandia, Chief Minister Buzdar underscored that Prime Minister Imran Khan was fighting a battle for the survival of the country.

"Khan has taught the nation to live honourably and leaders like him are the pride of the nation," he said.

He reiterated that the Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was firmly united under the leadership of PM Imran Khan.

“We are, undauntedly standing behind our leader and every conspiracy would be foiled,” he stressed.

“The PTI-led government will continue the journey of public service under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, while I will continue to serve as his lieutenant,” concluded Usman Buzdar.

Punjab government had initially announced to divide city last year. As per initial proposals, the government had decided to divide Lahore into City and Saddar districts.

Earlier in October, 2021, senior member board of revenue presented proposals to meeting participants to bifurcate Lahore into two districts on administrative grounds.

It was highlighted that administrative bifurcation in two districts would lead to the creation of new tehsils in Lahore.

The chief minister had directed officials concerned to present final proposals besides preparing a new map as per the bifurcation plan.

In July, 2021, Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said work had been started to create new districts and tehsils on administrative grounds.

During a meeting with Chairman CM Complaints Cell Sargodha Division Hassan Inam Paracha, the chief minister had said that the request to grant status of district to Bhalwal Tehsil would be reviewed.

The chief minister said the government had started work on mega
projects to develop the Sargodha division and a separate development package had been designed for every district.

Similarly, different projects had been accorded approval, including Salam to Sargodha road, Bhera to Malakwal road, Miani to Pakhowal road, Alipur to Thathi Wallana road by the government.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1^st, 2022.