Day: October 11, 2021

Lahore, October 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has expressed a deep sense of sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives due to firing of dacoits in Sadiqabad and sought a report from RPO Bahawalpur. The Chief Minister directed to arrest the accused involved in this incident at the earliest and to provide best medical treatment to the injured. The chief minister extended heartfelt sympathies and condolence with the bereaved families of the deceased.

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/

Lahore, October 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul called on Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar in CM’s office today. Matters regarding Clean and Green Pakistan programme, political issues and ongoing development projects in Southern Punjab came under discussion during the meeting. The Chief Minister Usman Buzdar termed Clean and Green Pakistan project as a flagship program of PTI government. He said that for the first time in the history of Pakistan, the PTI government has paid attention to keep the environment clean. Miyawaki forests are being planted for the Urban Forest Stations.

The incumbent government has also planted trees in remote areas along with urban areas as clean and pollution free air is the basic right of every citizen. Usman Buzdar said that corruption, irregularities and plundering of the former rulers spread political pollution. Those who are involved in the politics of self-interest have no future. He said that PTI government has given a new identity to Southern Punjab by establishing Southern Punjab Secretariat. He further maintained that by approving Rules of Business for Southern Punjab Secretariat, the government has fulfilled its another promise with the people adding that this historic initiative will resolve the problems of the people of Southern Punjab at local level.

Usman Buzdar further stated that in the past funds of Southern Punjab were utilized on other projects whereas PTI government, for the development and progress of the people of the area, has ring-fenced the development budget of Southern Punjab and Rs 189 billion has been allocated for this purpose in the current financial year. He said that for the first time budget of the province has been ring fenced and a separate book has been compiled regarding the development programmes of Southern Punjab.

He said that foundation stone of Southern Punjab Secretariat will soon be laid in Bahawalpur after Multan. Talking on the occasion, Zartaj Gul said that Punjab Chief Minister did not chanted hollow slogans but served the people of the province in a real manner. The establishment of the Southern Punjab Secretariat is an historic achievement of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar for which people of Southern Punjab are grateful to him. Zartaj Gul further stated that for the first time in the history of Pakistan, the impacts of real development are reaching to the people of Southern Punjab.

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/

Lahore, October 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has expressed a deep sense of sorrow and grief over the sad demise of MPA Peter Gill. The Chief Minister telephonically contacted Amir Gill, son of late, and extended heartfelt sympathies and condolence. Usman Buzdar said that we equally share your grief.

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/

Lahore, October 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):National Freelance Training Program (NFTP) held its first graduation ceremony at The University of Education, Lahore Campus. The ceremony was presided by Punjab Minister for Higher Education and IT Raja Yassir Humayun Sarfraz. Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Azfar Manzoor, Vice Chancellor University of Education Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha (S.I.), PITB DG e-Governance Sajid Latif and Head of Freelance wing Ahmed Islam Syan along with the team were present at the event.

While addressing the graduates Raja Yassir Humayun said, “Pakistan is ranked among the top five freelancing countries in South Asia. With a highly talented and enthusiastic youth, initiatives like NFTP are helping expand the freelance eco-system across the nation.” He also congratulated the graduates and appreciated The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT and T) and PITB for their dedication and support in strengthening the freelance eco-system in Pakistan.

Chairman PITB Azfar Manzoor emphasized on how NFTP is contributing in training the youth to go the entrepreneurial way and become part of the 1.5 trillion USD Gig economy and commented, “Pakistan is ranked among the top five freelance countries in South Asia. Through initiatives like NFTP, PITB is making a significant contribution in empowering the youth and promoting the freelance market.” An initiative of MoIT and T, NFTP executed by PITB, is designed to provide training in certain areas to aspiring freelancers across the nation. The program seeks to achieve sustainable economic growth through women empowerment, reduced inequality and gender balance.

For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-9201390-86
Website: www.punjab.gov.pk

Lahore, October 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):An important meeting on development projects has been held in the Livestock Department which was chaired by Secretary Livestock Asad Rehman Gilani. The meeting reviewed in detail the new and ongoing development schemes. In which various projects including setting up of new dispensaries have come under consideration. Secretary Livestock Asad Rehman Gilani said that the livestock department is an important part of the government’s priorities.

Timely completion of all projects should be ensured. He said that clear targets should be set for development programs. Ensure transparency in all projects. He further said that the final deadline for completion of the projects should be kept in view in all cases. The meeting was also attended by the concerned officers including Additional Secretaries and Directors General of the Livestock department.

For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-9201390-86
Website: www.punjab.gov.pk

Lahore, October 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):Chief Secretary Punjab Kamran Ali Afzal paid a surprise visit at DHQ Hospital Okara and inspected the provision of medical facilities, sanitation and other arrangements on Sunday. He inspected different wards including emergency and inquired the patients about the availability of facilities being provided to them in the facility and the behaviour of the doctors and other paramedical staff with them. The patients expressed satisfaction over the medical facilities in the hospital. On the complaint of a woman, the Chief Secretary directed the MS to immediately redress her grievances and directed to appoint a focal person for resolving the problems of patients and their attendants.

He assured that all available resources will be provided to the health sector besides ensuring modern healthcare facilities, availability of medicines and medical staff. He stressed upon the doctors, nurses and other staff to treat patients in a polite manners. He Chief Secretary lauded the arrangements of the hospital and directed to further improve them. The MS while briefing the Chief Secretary said that a proposal of setting up of Trauma Centre in the hospital is under consideration. The hospital is providing free meals to the patients. Later, Chief Secretary during his visit to Sahiwal paid visit at the DHQ Hospital and inspected the emergency, dengue and other wards.

While talking to the patients and their attendants, the Chief Secretary said that medical is a sacred profession and doctors and other paramedical staff should serve the suffering humanity with devotion. The Chief Secretary also lauded the arrangements and directed to further improve them. The Chief Secretary presided over the meeting at the Commissioner’s Office and reviewed the various development schemes, price control measures and pending revenue cases. He directed the Commissioner Sahiwal Division and Deputy Commissioners of the three districts to ensure the implementation of Open Door Policy.

He said that all administrative officers should give one hour on daily basis to listen the peoples’ problems and create ease for them. He said that zero tolerance policy should be adopted against corruption. He also directed to ensure timely utilization of funds and transparency in development schemes and said that progress on these projects would be reviewed on regular basis as development schemes will generate economic activities and employment opportunities.

He further stated that Deputy Commissioners should visit the Land Record Centers on regular basis and people issues related to revenue should be resolved on priority basis and no revenue case should remain pending for more than two years. He said that demand and supply and prices of the essential commodities should be monitored and Officers should perform their duties in an effective manner. He termed the establishment of Deputy Commissioner counters in big stores is a good initiative. The Chief Secretary also planted a sapling in the garden of the Commissioner’s Office. Sahiwal Division Commissioner Ali Bahadur Qazi, all the Deputy Commissioners and concerned officers attended the meeting.

For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-9201390-86
Website: www.punjab.gov.pk

Lahore, October 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid inaugurated the 280-bedded dengue field hospital at Expo Centre here on Sunday. Present on the occasion were Special Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department Ajmal Bhatti, Consultant Professor Asad Aslam Khan, Pro Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Medical University Professor Shirin Khawar, Pro Vice Chancellor King Edward Medical University Professor Dr. Ijaz Hussain, Chairman DEAG Professor Dr. Tanveerul Islam, MS Mayo Hospital Dr. Iftikhar, MS Services Hospital Dr. Ehtishamul Haq, MS Jinnah Hospital, Dr. Yahya Sultan, MS Expo Field Hospital Dr. Asim and other officials.

The Health Minister visited different units to see the arrangements. Special Secretary Ajmal Bhatti and Consultant Asad Aslam Khan gave detailed briefing to the Minister about the arrangements. The Minister met doctors and staff and advised them to take good care of patients. Speaking to media during her visit, the Health Minister said, “We have provided doctors, nurses, paramedical staff along with oxygen and medicine supplies at the hospital. Dr. Asad Aslam Khan has been made the focal person of the Expo Field Hospital. Doctors from Lahore’s General, Services, Jinnah and Mayo Hospitals have been deputed at the Field Hospital. Duty roster of doctors have been placed.

Right information must be given to people instead rumours. There is no shortage of beds for dengue patients in Lahore and all such news are false. Based on increase in number of patients, the numbers of beds are being constantly increased. A total of 1209 patients have been reserved for dengue patients including those at the expo field hospitals. The expo center field hospital has been made functional for 24 hours and CBC shall be provided within 45 seconds. Patients testing positive shall be admitted in the hospitals whereas those testing negative shall be given medicines. Free treatment for fever shall be given to all. All tests shall be done free of cost. Currently 28 dengue patients are critically ill.

In case a patient having fever is unable to travel to the hospital, they can contact 1122 and they shall be transported to nearby public sector hospital. The helpline for dengue is 042-99211134-6. We have 3750 registered dengue patients so far. In the last 24 hours, 177 cases were reported. Most private hospitals have also reserved beds for dengue with support of health department. All private labs are conducting dengue test in Rs. 90 and test can only be done on recommendation of doctor. In government hospitals, this test is free for patients. In the last wave, Rawalpindi whereas in current wave it has hit Lahore. The DHA area is currently reporting more cases. In Lahore surveillance was done for 55,000 homes and larva was found at 1719 homes.

There is case response once larva is found and around 50 homes in surrounding areas are sprayed. Corona is also being dealt with dengue at the same time.” Elaborating further, the Minister said that 1476 COVID-19 patients were admitted in Punjab hospitals and 51 of them were critically ill. She added, “We have 249 patients on ventilators currently in government hospitals. Vaccination is underway at a fast pace and we have vaccinated more than 52 million people so far. Out of these people, 60 % have received first and 40 % have received two doses. All vaccination centres are open for second dose even on Sundays. The positivity ratio is 2.9 % in Lahore and 1.9 % in Punjab. The Corona Pandemic situation is better now. The health Departments (s) are working day and night to control Dengue and Corona.”

Responding to queries of journalists, the Health Minister said that people can lodge complaint anytime at control room about public sector hospitals. She said, “We have a proper monitoring mechanism in place. No patients shall be sent back coming to government hospitals with fever. Since January this year, eight people have lost their lives to dengue. Technical persons have been added in DEAG, and their inclusion was done on merit. The interviews for regular appointment of MS in hospitals shall be conducted on next Tuesday and Wednesday.

More than 50 people have applied for Teaching Hospitals in Lahore. Currently 28 beds in Mayo, 16 in General Hospital, 9 in Services Hospital, 12 in Kot Khawaja Saeed Hospital, 12 at Shahdara Teaching Hospital and 4 beds are unoccupied at Yakki Gate Hospital. Outdoors for Corona and Dengue at Expo Field Hospital are fully functional. The hospitals under Primary and Secondary healthcare Department i.e. Kahna, Bedian, Sabza Zar and others areas have been given alert. Private hospitals have been directed to provide dengue treatment to Sehat Sahulat card holders. We are setting up a new 350-bedded emergency at Jinnah Hospital. Highest number of patient in-flow at emergency is reported at Jinnah Hospital.”

For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-9201390-86
Website: www.punjab.gov.pk