Lahore, June 17, 2022 (PPI-OT):Chief Minister Punjab Hamza Shahbaz chaired a meeting about price control which was attended by Sardar Awais Leghari, Bilal Yasin, and Zeeshan Rafiq, political assistants, chief secretary, and administrative secretaries while commissioners and deputy commissioners participated through video link.

The CM directed to present a plan of action within three days for providing kitchen items at affordable rates and made it clear that easing the economic burden was his top priority. The government was cognizant of the common man’s difficulties due to inflation and field visits must be regularly conducted to stabilize the availability of vegetables and price stabilisation, he said.

The deputy commissioners and price control magistrates should ensure the availability of essential items at fixed rates and the DCs should personally monitor the auction processes in the markets. Similarly, the verified data of field visits should be uploaded to the dashboard while ensuring synchronization in field visits and the relevant data details; he added and made it clear that the officers failing to conduct field visits would have to be answerable as he was personally monitoring every step taken for price control.

Rs.200 billion subsidy was given for subsidized flour and every penny should reach the common man; he said and asserted that no compromise would be made on the quality of subsidized flour. The exit points of Punjab province should be strictly monitored to control the smuggling of wheat and flour, the CM further said. Chief Minister Punjab Hamza Shahbaz chaired a meeting at his office which was also attended by Chairman Delivery Associates Sir Michael Barber and British High Commissioner Dr Christian Turner through video link.

The Punjab government and Sir Michael Barber agreed to resume the partnership. Sir Michael Barber would cooperate with the Punjab government for reforming the education, health and criminal justice systems. For this, a joint team would formulate recommendations to decide on the future roadmap for accelerated development.

Sir Michael Barber appreciated that tremendous work was done in the health and education sectors during the tenure of Shehbaz Sharif as chief minister of Punjab. Every possible assistance would be extended to the Punjab government again, he added and the British high commissioner also announced to extend every possible support to the Punjab government.

The CM announced to provide quality healthcare and educational facilities in partnership with Sir Michael Barber as the government was desirous of providing quality facilities to the people while partnering with him. The government intends to introduce revolutionary reforms and a comprehensive health and education sector plan would be devised; he said and appreciated the yeoman services rendered by Sir Michael Barber during the previous PMLN tenure.

Sir Michael Barber has introduced wonderful health and education sector reforms during the chief ministership of PM Shehbaz Sharif and his experiences would be fully benefited upon to bring ease to the lives of the common man, he added. Kh Salman Rafiq, Rana Mashood Ahmad, chief secretary, chairman P and D, administrative secretaries, Ali Raza and others attended the meeting.

United States Consul General Mr. William K. Makaneole called on Chief Minister Punjab Hamza Shahbaz at CMO today and felicitated Hamza Shahbaz for assuming the office of Chief Minister Punjab. William K. Makaneole expressed best wishes for Hamza Shahbaz and matters pertaining to mutual interest, promotion of bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in different sectors came under discussion.CM while talking with the US Consul General said that the relations between Pakistan and USA are multi-dimensional.

Hamza Shahbaz wished to promote bilateral relations in the agriculture, environment, water shortage and other sectors adding that undoubtedly the country is facing economic and other challenges but our determination is higher than these challenges.US Consul General William K. Makaneole while talking on this occasion maintained that the USA gives great importance to its relations with Pakistan and would further promote its cooperation with the Punjab government in different sectors. Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary to CM, Chairman P and D, Legal Advisor Ali Raza and concerned officials were also present on this occasion.

Chief Minister Punjab Hamza Shahbaz has directed WASAs, rescue 1122, PDMA and line departments to remain vigilant in the wake of rain spells in different districts and added that water should be removed from low-lying areas in time. The officers should go in the field to monitor the water disposal and rescue operations should be immediately started in case of any untoward situation; he said and further directed to ensure smooth flow of traffic during rains.

Chief Minister Punjab Hamza Shahbaz has expressed a deep sense of sorrow over the loss of lives in different rain-related accidents in Lahore and other parts of the province. The CM has extended sympathies to the bereaved heirs and asked the administration to provide the best treatment facilities to the injured.

He has also sought a report about the tragic incidents from the concerned administration and added that the government shares the grief of the affected families. Chief Minister Punjab Hamza Shahbaz has expressed a deep sense of sorrow over the loss of lives due to the falling of a vehicle in the canal near Sarai Alamgir and extended sympathies to the bereaved heirs.

For more information, contact:
Office of the Chief Minister of Punjab
Government of the Punjab
8-Club Road, GOR-I, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99205562-3
Fax: +92-42-99205561
Website: https://cm.punjab.gov.pk/