Punjab Chief Secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar has said that revival and promotion of construction sector is among priorities of the government; all possible cooperation would be extended to resolve problems being faced by this important sector.

He expressed these views during a meeting with a five-member delegation of Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) of Pakistan here on Friday. The delegates included Kamran Shujaa, Khizar Ayub Izhar, Khalid Abdul Rehman and Ayub Qadri, which was led by ABAD North Zone Chairman Akbar Sheikh. On the occasion, matters related to loans for construction work, rate of taxes in provinces and public-private partnership was discussed.

The chief secretary told the delegation that keeping in view needs of the growing population proper planning is need of the hour, adding that private sector can play a vital role in execution of houses' construction project of the government.

"The progress of construction sector will generate economic activities, besides creation of new jobs, as about 40 industries are linked with it," he added.

On the occasion, the senior members Board of Revenue, administrative secretaries of different departments including finance, housing and industries were present.

Later, the CS presided over a meeting regarding proper use of land in Lahore. The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning and Development, Member Board of Revenue, DG LDA and officers concerned. Various proposals were reviewed in the meeting.

He said that the concept of vertical growth would have to be promoted in Lahore and its adjoining areas in order to overcome civic problems.

He directed the Director General of Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to expedited work on preparation of the Master Plan for Lahore.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019