Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that government would devise policies which would not only ensure promotion of industrial and business activities, but also benefit the common man. He called upon well-to-do segments of the society to come forward and help the flood affectees in this time of distress.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of two-day "National Poultry and Food Expo 2010", being arranged by Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) at Johar Town expo centre, here on Friday. The chief minister said we could not realise the intensity of havoc played by floods while sitting in Lahore or Karachi. He mentioned that he himself visited the areas to support the affectees and monitor situation personally.
He stated that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has taught to demonstrate sacrifice, brotherhood and charity. He said no nation could live in the world without ensuring social and economic justice for its citizen.
He warned that the country might face anarchy if we do not play our due role in this hour of distress by rehabilitating the devastated towns and villages. Shahbaz appreciated Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) for donating about Rs 55 million for the flood affectees and said that only Allah Almighty could reward them in return. He appreciated that various organisations are playing their role in extending relief and support to the flood affectees.
He mentioned that Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA-Punjab) donated Rs 100 million, adding that still, our organisations and business circles could donate more. Talking about the demands of the poultry sector and policies being devised by the government, he directed the provincial secretary livestock and dairy development to sit with the representatives of the poultry sector to prepare a solid recommendation to waive GST on poultry sector.
The chief minister said he wrote four letters to the federal government for immediately importing sugar to keep the prices of the sweetener in the limit. Although the Prime Minister had agreed with the recommendations, Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) showed criminal negligence by not importing sugar in time. He said he had asked the federal government for importing of sugar when its prices were around US $350-400 per tons.
Shahbaz assured the poultry sector of sympathetically considering their demands such as considering the sector as agriculture related industry. He said that he would ask the federal government to look in to the issue so the cost of doing business for this sector could be reduced and customers could get chicken meat at reasonable prices.
The function was also addressed by Central President of Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) Dr Muhammad Aslam, Raza Muhammad Khursand, Abdul Basit and chief organiser of the conference Abdul Hai Mehta.
The expo was attended by member of National Assembly Hanif Abbasi, members of provincial assembly and national and international businessmen and organisations attached with the poultry business. Punjab Secretary for Livestock and Dairy Development Muhammad Jehanzeb Khan was also present at the conference. An exhibition of poultry industry, fancy bird show and a cooking competition is also being arranged by the association at the conference to create attraction for visitors.