Punjab Governor Makhdoom Syed Ahmad Mehmood on Tuesday said that he would try his level best to promote democracy and run other affairs amicably in the province. Talking to media persons after taking oath at Governor's House on Tuesday, he urged the provincial government to pay maximum attention towards the provision of education, healthcare and other facilities to the people.
He said that he would keep giving advises to the provincial government as how it could facilitate the masses in a better way. His appointment was not a result of any backdoor diplomacy or understanding, he added. The governor stressed the need for developing understanding between the government and the opposition in the larger interest of the country.
He further said that it was just because of the efforts and struggle of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah that today we are enjoying freedom in an independent state. He also paid tribute to the political vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. He also greeted the christian community on the happy occasion of Christmas.
"I understand the financial problems of the province," he said and added that he would not get any privileges and receive his pay as governor but for basic purposes." He said that leaders of all the houses and opposition leaders should pay attention towards forming caretaker setup. He said that he has good relations with the Punjab government which would be continued.
He said that Punjab assembly has unanimously demanded for the restoration of Bahawalpur province and a commission should be formed for other provinces. He said that same resolution had been adopted in the national assembly for this purpose. The Punjab government has its own priorities and "I wish them very best for it," he added. He said that he had a lot of respect for Tahir-ul-Qadri. The governor thanked President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for reposing confidence in him for this slot. He said that after his meeting with President, Prime Minister, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Faryal Talpur, he would also meet PML-N chief Nawaz Shairf.