Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar chaired an important meeting of the executive council of southern Punjab province at his office on Friday and reviewed matters relating to the establishment of 'Southern Punjab Secretariat.'

The participants presented their proposals about Southern Punjab province and the establishment of Southern Punjab Secretariat. The meeting agreed to operationalize Southern Punjab Secretariat soon and also agreed to continue their consultations about it.

Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said that establishment of this Secretariat will be first step towards the province, adding that decision will be made in accordance with the interests of the people of Southern Punjab. The establishment of Southern Punjab Secretariat will be made at every cost. He added that the Punjab government has allocated funds in this regard and all administrative preparations are complete.

The chief minister pointed out 35-per cent development funds have been allocated for Southern Punjab in the current financial year and this budget cannot be utilized for any other purpose. He reiterated that funds meant for southern Punjab will only be utilized for public welfare there and the mandate given to the PTI by the people of Southern Punjab will be fully honored. He regretted that the past governments deceived the Southern Punjab people through political jugglery and former rulers promoted their politics in the name of Southern Punjab province.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi stated that establishment of Southern Punjab Secretariat will give relief to the people and public problems will be solved at the local level along with improving the governance.