Punjab government is seriously considering chopping the columns of invitees and imposing restriction on serving food in marriage parties beyond the given time and an ordinance in this regard is on the cards. The Central leader, Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N), MNA Khawaja Muhammad Asif revealed on Monday.
Addressing the members of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and other trade bodies, added that the step was being taken to minimise the number of invitees keeping with the view that the step will save the masses from excessive financial burden and ensure punctuality in marriage ceremonies.
Asif further said, 'We could save electricity by shutting down shopping plazas, bazaars and commercial centres at 7.30 PM citing the examples of many foreign countries where shopping centres and restaurants were closed at 7 PM.
Late closing of commercial markets and extra-ordinary late marriage parties were the main reason behind increasing crime rates and it is high time that we should develop consensus over this issue for getting rid of crime and energy crisis in the country.
About the current energy crisis he said that the government inherited this problem that has deepened due to wrong policies of the previous government. The MNA further said that according to available statistics, there are Rs 72 billion outstanding dues lying pending with the government, apart from the President house and Prime Minister house that also default Rs 2 billion and Rs 1.50 respectively.
It is very unfortunate that the government has failed in resolving this problem as a result of which, growth and productivity has become standstill in the country, he added. Khawaja Asif also said that Punjab government was taking adequate efforts to resolve the people's problems on a priority basis in the Province. Special attention has also being paid to redressal of the problems confronted by the business community that would gradually enhance the export-volume and bring down the graph of unemployment in Punjab, he said.
Further, he said that development work on Sialkot tanneries zone would be initiated in near future and Punjab government has released Rs 40 crore for the purpose. He called upon the members of business community to concentrate on anti-pollution measures that would ensure neat and clean environment for the dwellers.
The projects like setting up of Sialkot medical college and construction of bridge over nullah Aik would be undertaken soon while matching grant amounting Rs 408 million would also be released, he assured. The President, SCCI, Hassan Ali Bhatti also addressed the gathering.