Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman has termed the South Punjab Secretariat established by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government as merely a “lollypop” to the people of this underprivileged region.
Speaking to a select group of journalists here on Wednesday, Rehman underscored that such an act would not resolve issues in the region. He highlighted that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) wanted Bahawalpur province and South Punjab province comprising Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan Divisions and also got passed a resolution from Punjab Assembly in the past. However, the Constitution mandates a two-third majority in the provincial assembly and both the houses of the parliament for the creation of a new province, he added.
The governor maintained that PML-N has a clear stance about the creation of Bahawalpur and South Punjab provinces, but the two-third majority in parliament is required for this purpose. However, he said PTI’s Shah Mahmud Qureshi is against the Bahawalpur province.
Read Police secretariat established in South Punjab
When asked about his priorities as the governor, Rehman said that education, environment, and climate change would be the focus of his plans and he has already requested the VCs of universities to share their research on climate change. He said he has issued instructions for permanent appointments to the vacant posts of Dean of Faculties in government universities.
He said he has also directed the VCs to make permanent appointments to the posts of Heads of Departments in all departments. He further said that the process of regular appointments in public sector universities should be completed immediately as per the rules and regulations and the report should be submitted to the Governor’s Secretariat within 30 days.
He also highlighted his services as federal education minister for unified curriculum and promotion of higher education.
Answering a question, he said, the PML-N believes that all the state institutions must work within the ambit of their constitutional role.
The government was taking difficult decisions in the interest of the country and the nation and the fruits of steps taken by the government would be visible soon.
“Four years ago when the government was taken over from PML-N, the country was on the path of development, but today the government is faced with manifold problems.”
He expressed optimism that all the sectors would soon start improving again due to the hard work of the present government.
He said the government is aware of difficulties faced by the people and subsidised flour is given to the people across Punjab with a subsidy of Rs200 billion.
Answering a question, he said he would perform his constitutional role by law by remaining within his defined role.
To another query, he said he acknowledges the role of the private sector in the promotion of education but there must be strict regulations, to regulate their affairs and no institution be allowed to raise their fees.
Moreover, talking to a delegation comprising philanthropists and businessmen, the governor said the dream of development could not be realised without bringing economic stability in the country.
“Businessmen were playing a vital role in the social and economic development of the country,” he said, adding: “The perseverance with which the business community is keeping the business afloat in the most difficult circumstances is commendable.”
He said the abolition of the tax on solar panels by the government is an encouraging step for the business community. He said service to ailing humanity is an act of worship and the business community played a vital role during the coronavirus pandemic for the welfare of the people.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 9th, 2022.
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