Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif claimed that load-shedding will soon become a thing of past as the energy projects set up in Punjab with a cost of billions of rupees have been providing electricity to the whole of Pakistan through national grid.
While presiding over an important meeting in Lahore, Shahbaz said continued efforts are bearing fruit for overcoming the energy crisis. The provision of electricity has revived the industry and employment opportunities for labourers and skilled workforce have been increased, he said.
"If the people provided an opportunity in the elections to serve them further then energy and many new mega projects will be introduced as public welfare is our core vision, Chief Minister added. The meeting was attended by State Minister for Power Division Abid Sher Ali, PML-N leader Kh Ahmed Hasaan, MD NTDC, concerned secretaries and officials.
Moreover, in a high-level meeting, the Punjab Chief Minister accorded approval to Ramadan Package 2018 providing relief to the people during holy month of Ramazan.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said subsidy to the tune of Rs 11 billion will be provided for the provision of subsidized flour during this month. Up to 32 Model Bazaars will also operate as subsidized Ramazan Bazaars. As much as 2000 Dasterkhwan will be established across the province to provide free Sehr and Iftaar.
He said provision of relief to the masses is his mission and every possible step should be adopted to achieve the goal. The prices of essential items including fruits and vegetables should be conspicuously displayed in Ramazan Bazaars and market places. Digital price boards should be set up for the benefits of the visitors, he added.
The meeting was briefed about arrangements of Ramazan Bazaars. It was told that a trend of price stability of essential items and their decrease has been witnessed before the advent of Ramazan ul Mubarak.
Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Sheikh Allauddin, Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chief Secretary, concerned secretaries and high officials attended the meeting. Provincial Agriculture Minister Naeem Akhtar Bhabha and Secretary Agriculture attended the meeting through video link from Islamabad and Layyah, respectively.