Traders hail Punjab caretaker CM for presenting ‘tax-free budget’

LAHORE: The caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi in a meeting with the delegation of traders; reiterated his unwavering commitment to resolving their issues promptly and also assured that the provision of solar systems to small traders on convenient instalment plans would also be assessed.

The delegation members, led by Mujahid Maqsood, discussed their concerns and also extended their congratulations on presentation of a tax-free budget. In an effort to enforce court decisions regarding the restriction of processions and rallies on Mall Road, the CM directed the deputy commissioner Lahore to ensure strict compliance with the ban. Additionally, he emphasized the need for expediting the completion of development work on Badami Bagh Road.

The CM affirmed that comprehensive reforms would be introduced to enhance the vehicle registration system in Punjab, drawing inspiration from Islamabad’s successful model. He also highlighted the importance of implementing effective measures, to improve traffic management and tackle encroachments on Multan Road.

Addressing the concerns of market roads, maintenance and streetlights in the Gulberg area, the CM ordered to promptly resolve these issues. In line with the proposal to construct parking plazas in markets, he directed the Lahore commissioner and concerned officials to identify suitable land for these facilities and submit a report.

Expressing their appreciation, the delegation members conveyed their gratitude to CM Mohsin Naqvi, recognizing his invaluable contributions as a benefactor of Punjab. They lauded the tax-free and people-friendly budget presented under his leadership and commended the timely completion of development projects in Lahore. The traders also thanked CM for his interest in addressing the concerns of their community.

Moreover, the caretaker CM made a visit to the Government Teaching Hospital Shahdara.

However, what he witnessed was disheartening—bare shelves in the pharmacy, the absence of necessary medical supplies such as drip sets, disprin and injections, and the hospital’s AC was off for patients. Surprisingly, the doctors’ rooms ACs were functional, but the duty doctors were nowhere to be found. In their absence, the patient himself was administering nebulization to other patient instead of the nurses.

Even in an emergency, medicines had to be procured externally, and to make matters worse, the air conditioning system was non-functional.

The patients and their attendants presented a multitude of complaints before the CM and showed the receipts of medicines bought from outside.

Upon witnessing this appalling situation, the CM expressed his anger and strongly reprimanded the Deputy Medical Superintendent on duty. The DMS failed to answer any of the Chief Minister’s inquiries, and even the pharmacy lacked essential medicines.

During his inspection, the Chief Minister thoroughly inspected various sections including the emergency, child ward, pharmacy, surgical ward, and blood bank. He observed that the air conditioning units were switched off, subjecting the patients to uncomfortable heat.

Expressing his deep dismay over the situation, Mohsin Naqvi remarked that keeping the air condition off during extreme heat was ludicrous. “It was very disheartening to see the conditions at Shahdara Hospital,” he commented and pledged immediate action to improve the facilities and vowed to hold those accountable for the dire circumstances. He directed Minister Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Dr Javed Akram to promptly visit the hospital.

Additionally, VC Fatima Jinnah Medical University Dr Khalid Masood Gondal was asked to arrive at the hospital to monitor the situation and work towards its improvement. He further directed Dr Khalid Masood Gondal to remain at the hospital until further notice.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023