Amraiz Khan
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Friday inaugurated Bahimat Buzurg Programme to reach to the needy senior citizens age 65 years or above and distributed cards to elderly women. Addressing the ceremony, the CM stated that a special fund has been set up with a seed money of Rs2 billion to assist deserving senior citizens of 65 years and above. Under this program, needy senior citizens will be given a monthly stipend to lessen their financial difficulties, he added.
The CM emphasized that elderly women have been particularly included in the program to make them self-reliant. He termed the program a good omen, saying that he is feeling happy. The government is inching closer to the goal of the state of Madina envisioned by PM Imran Khan, he said. “The establishment of the state of Madina is a long and arduous journey but I am convinced that we will succeed in achieving this important goal,” he expressed his resolve. The CM said that the Riasat-e-Madina would be an exemplary State fulfilling its responsibility towards every citizen. He maintained that the respect and service to elders is a social as well as collective religious obligation. The provincial government has started Punjab Ehsas program to fulfil the needs of deserving elders and other neglected segments of the society.
Similarly, Nai Zindagi program was launched for the rehabilitation of affectees of acid-attacks and Bahimat Buzurg is a part of Ehsas Program, he added. It is a unique social pension initiative under Punjab Social Protection Authority having no comparison in the past. Vice-Chairman PSPA Ali Asjad Malhi said the program is close to the heart of Usman Buzdar and another program is going to be started to provide stipend, training and loan to differently-abled. Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht, SACM Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Musarat Jamshaid Cheema MPA and Chairman P&D also attended the ceremony.
CM INAUGURATES BAB-E-LAHORE GATE
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar inaugurated Bab-e-Lahore at Thokar Niaz Beg on Friday. Provincial Minister Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, MPAs – Sadia Sohail Rana and Nazir Chohan, DG LDA Ahmad Aziz Tarrar, Vice Chairman Sh. Muhammad Imran, Addl DG Farqaleet Mir, Chief Engineer LDA Abdul Razaq Chohan and governing body member Aamer Riaz Qureshi were also present. Talking on the occasion, the CM said the welcome gate would leave a lasting impression on visitors. Thokar Niaz Beg junction has been redone and green areas are developed along the canal by adding streetlights, palisade fencing and decorative lights. ‘Darood Shareef’ is also inscribed with steelwork on both sides of 130 feet wide and 60 feet high Bab-e-Lahore gate.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the death of head of Tehrik-e-Labaik Maulana Khadim Hussain Rizvi. In a condolence message, the CM prayed that may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and strength to the members of the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude.
