Amraiz Khan
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Friday directed to expedite work on public-private partnership (PPP-mode) projects, saying that the projects duration should be minimized.
“Zero-tolerance will be shown on a 90-day timeline – from approval to laying the foundation stone of a project, and delay in development projects will not be tolerated.”
Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar was presiding over the 6th meeting of the public-private partnership policy and monitoring board at his office here on Friday. The meeting reviewed progress made on ongoing projects. The chief minister also sought a report about the issues pending in departments.
Board secretary Dr Farrukh Naveed briefed the CM about the progress made on different projects. The meeting approved the appointment of Amjad Ali Awan as CEO of Punjab Public Private Partnership Authority and gave in-principle approval to terms and conditions of the CEO’s remuneration. However, the selection board will finally decide according to the rules.
The CM announced to review progress on PPP mode projects after every seven days, adding that action will be initiated if any work is, deliberately, kept pending in any department. The departments, willfully, delaying things will have to show performance, he warned and directed to set the timeline of every stage of the projects.
CM Buzdar further directed the authority to devise a monthly targets calendar to hold the regular review. He instructed to expedite work on road construction projects and asked to start work on the Rawalpindi Ring Road project at the earliest to facilitate the locals. The government will provide full support to speed up the ring road project casting around 40 billion rupees, he added. The meeting endorsed the decisions made in the 5th meeting.
Dr Salman Shah, assembly members Mian Shafi Muhammad, Khadija Umer, Chief Secretary SMBR, Chairman P&D, secretaries and others attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, PTI Sargodha President and ticket-holder Ansar Iqbal Haral and ticket-holder Usama Mela called on Chief Minister Usman Buzdar at his office to discuss matters of mutual interest.
Talking on the occasion, the CM reiterated that he is visiting every nook and corner of the province to resolve problems faced by the people in consultation with the parliamentarians and party workers. My doors are open to PTI workers and office-bearers and they will be given due respect and honour, he added.
The CM emphasized that the PTI government has rectified discrepancies of the past and deplored that the rotten system, rather, protects the rights of the elite rather than ensuring the welfare of the masses.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said the religion of Islam stresses peaceful coexistence, social justice and equality as the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) has given the message of ensuring justice with everyone.
In his message, the CM regretted the oppressed Kashmiris are facing the worst conditions due to socio-economic injustices perpetrated by the Indian government in Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. India has made the lives of the Kashmiris miserable and it is the worst example of social injustice that Kashmiris are continuously deprived of even the basic facilities of life, he deplored.
On the other hand, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar took notice of firing in Daska by-election and sought a report from IG Police. He has directed to arrest the accused early for taking further action and made it clear that any violation of law will not be tolerated and indiscriminate action will be initiated against the accused.
