No free flour sans BISP registration

Caretaker CM visits distribution centres in Gujranwala

LAHORE:

Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi conducted surprise visits in late hours to free flour supply centres operating round the clock in Gujranwala.

He inspected the facilities and interacted with the visiting people, most of whom said they had received the flour bags without any difficulty.

However, some people complained of non-verification of their Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) and admitted that they were not registered in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

The caretaker CM asked them to get themselves registered with the BISP and directed his staff to help them in this regard so that they might not face any difficulty in future.

The staff deputed at the centres complained about slow speed of the computer system.

The caretaker chief minister also verified the weight of the flour bags loaded on the trucks.

Later, he made an unannounced visit to the district headquarters hospital where he inspected medical facilities at the trauma centre, checked ventilator beds in the intensive care unit and announced the construction of a new building for emergency services.

He ordered improvement of the cleanliness arrangements in the hospital.

The caretaker CM also went to the residence of a woman and her daughter who had been molested in the precinct of Arup police station. He announced financial assistance of Rs1 million for them.

Meanwhile, Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi felicitated the nation on Pakistan Day.

In a statement issued on Thursday, he said the day served as a solemn reminder of the unrelenting struggle and selfless sacrifices made by Muslims of the subcontinent towards attaining a separate homeland.

The nation had consistently displayed remarkable unity in the face of adversity and had emerged stronger from difficult situations, he added. He pledged to safeguard the national character and cultural heritage, urging the nation to renew its commitment to the country on the occasion.

The caretaker CM also laid a floral wreath at the Mazar-e-Iqbal. On the occasion, he said there was a dire need to comprehend Allama Iqbal’s concept of Pakistan in its true spirit.

Earlier on March 14, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had said that around 15.8 million households of Punjab would be distributed free wheat flour during the holy month of Ramazan.

Chairing a meeting to review the distribution, the prime minister said it was for the first time in the country’s history that such a package had been rolled out.

He said the flour would be distributed from Sha’ban 25 to Ramazan 25 through 8,500 Utility Stores. Moreover, another 20,000 flour distribution points would also be set up to facilitate the people.

The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to use modern technology to ensure transparency in the distribution. Moreover, he said no compromise would be made on the quality of flour.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2023.