STAFF REPORTER LAHORE Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday stated that the wheat and sugar crises in the country happened due to the government’s negligence. Those who have benefitted of the backs of people in need will be penalised, he said, adding that the government is trying to bring a system in place to anticipate such a situation in the future. The premier was addressing the distribution ceremony for Sehat Sahulat Cards in Lahore where he was the chief guest. Addressing the gathering at the Governor House, the prime minister began his speech amid roaring applause and cheers from party workers present on the occasion. high-level inquiry into the surge in prices of the two commodities is being conducted and the names of those responsible will be made public and they will be punished according to law. Addressing Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, the premier congratulated her for providing the health cards to five million families. “I never said that we will make Pakistan an Asian tiger. I had said that we will make Pakistan a great nation, following in the footsteps of Madina. And the most important principle for Madina is humanity. “Humanity means that a great nation takes responsibility for the people at the lowest level,” he said, adding that the reason for making Shaukat Khanum Cancer Memorial Hospital was because he can never forget the face of a man at Mayo Hospital who was told he would have to buy yet more medication for his ailing brother. “He used to work as a labourer during the day and used to spend his nights with his brother who was dying of cancer. That completely changed the course of my life. If I would have never seen the face of that man, then I would have never made the cancer hospital […] and maybe never have entered politics. “It was after that I decided to spend my life working for the people after my cricketing career. Therefore, the first time we [PTI] had a provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we initiated this health cards system. “The reason that the province gave us a second chance and a two-third majority […] one of the biggest reasons for this was the health cards system. This was the first time they were introduced to the concept of a welfare state.” For the first three to four years, the state of Madina was in great turmoil. Muslims had to face great difficulties. But then the tide turned, and the distribution of these health cards is just another step towards that final destination, he said. “For the first time, we have removed all duties on importing medical equipment because we need hospitals. We are providing incentives on both ends, he added. Referring to the controversial MTI act, the prime minister said that there is a dire need to sort out the management of healthcare facilities. “There is no accountability in government hospitals. The rich go to private hospitals, while the richer go to London for medical treatment.” This move is not meant for privatisation, this is to improve our healthcare institutions, he assured. Talking about the rise in inflation, Imran explained that when the rupee falls, the price of imports increases. Calling out his naysayers, the premier said that the current Pakistan is the Pakistan that was originally envisioned. “I myself was not aware of the country’s potential until I took office.” This country will be the nation where people will travel to find employment, he concluded. Kicking off the ceremony, Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said that today is the culmination of the prime minister’s 22 year-long mission. During his visit, Imran held a oneon-one meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, where the two discussed the overall situation in the province and the pace of development projects. The prime minister began his one-day visit by calling on the Punjab Safe City Authority headquarters where he was briefed on the scope of the project, and on making security effective through the project. Imran also launched the global portal for the Police Khidmat Markaz. Earlier, Imran had visited Lahore on Jan 26, and held a one-on-one meeting with the chief minister as well as with party MNAs and MPAs at the chief minister’s secretariat.
