LAHORE: Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry said on Sunday that the PTI government is focusing on the uplift of the backward areas of the country especially South Punjab by allocating ring-fenced separate funds.

In a meeting with renowned businessman, CEO of Excel Cables Salman Zafar Chaudhry who called on him, the minister said that in line with the Prime Minister vision, the ministry is also focused on the promotion of education of the science and technology in the lesser developed areas of Pakistan. Further, the establishment of the technology-based industry in these areas are crucial for the economic revival and employment creation, he added.

The Minister assured Salman Zafar that he would visit Haroon Abad, Bahawalnagar and make efforts for the development of the said area. He admitted that South Punjab was neglected by the successive governments while it was the top priority of the PTI led Punjab government. The Punjab government has allocated designated funds for the development and uplift of South Punjab and these allocated funds could not be utilized other than South Punjab, he added. He said that schools in the area would be upgraded with science and technology education while all missing facilities would be ensured there.

Earlier, Salman Zafar Chaudhry briefed the minister about the backwardness of the area and economic woes of the people due to the apathy of the past governments. He pointed out that past governments made no investment for the promotion of industrial activities or science and technology-based education in Southern Punjab, leading to unemployment and poverty.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021