CM approves recruitment of 10,000 constables: Ramazan Bazaars not to be established due to COVID-19

In a bid to overcome the shortage of staff in the police department, Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has approved the recruitment of 10,000 constables in the police department.

Up to 5,000 constables will be recruited during the current fiscal year while the rest of 5,000 will be recruited in the next financial year, the CM said in a statement, here on Friday. He said that all the appointments in the police department will be made purely on merit.

He stated the police have played an exemplary role during the Coronavirus outbreak and it is discharging duty wholeheartedly. He also lauded the role of police in safeguarding the lives and property of people besides curbing the criminals.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Standing Committee on Finance and Development has also approved the recruitment of 10,000 constables.

CM visited Sheikhupura and Narowal on Friday to inspect aid distribution under 'Ehsaas Kafalat Programme'. He also distributed aid amounts among the women recipients who expressed their satisfaction over the facilities.

The CM said that Rs135 million financial aids have been distributed in Sheikhupura and more than 50 thousand deserving families will benefit. Talking on this occasion, the CM reiterated that people will not be left alone and every effort will be made to provide relief to them.

He said that 14 centres have been set up in Sheikhupura for wheat procurement starting from April 20. The restriction of 'gardawari' has been done away with and the wheat crop will be procured on a 'first come, first served' basis, he added. He continued that most of the 33 coronavirus patients in Sheikhupura have travel history. Arrangements have been made to keep 45 patients in isolation and field hospital will also be established, if needed.

Later, the CM also visited Narowal to inspect the distribution of financial aid at a centre set up in Government Boys High School Narowal.

He distributed aid amount among the needy and stated that provision of financial aid in a most transparent manner is another achievement of PTI government. Addressing the gathering, the CM directed the line departments to remain fully vigilant to deal with any untoward situation.

In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, Ramadan Bazaars will not be established and cash will be transferred to deserving families under Chief Minister's Ramadan Package. The cash transfer system will be designed on the pattern of Insaaf Imdad Programme, he added.

The CM also directed to devise an emergency plan for safety from flood adding that flow of water in rivers and nullahs be monitored round the clock.