ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has urged parliamentarians to ensure timely completion of development projects in their constituencies to provide prompt relief to the masses.

Talking to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNAs from the Sahiwal division at the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, Prime Minister Abbasi discussed development projects in the area and said: “The government is determined to make every possible effort for socio-economic uplift of the people of the country.”

The legislators informed the prime minister about the progress made so far and assured him that they would be completed within the stipulated period.

They also informed the prime minister about the lack of funds earmarked for the projects.

The premier called upon the elected representatives to reach out to the people and play their role towards highlighting their problems and addressing their issues.

The MNAs who called on the prime minister included Nadeem Abbas Rabaira, Chaudhry Riazul Haq, Syed Mohammad Ashiq Hussain Shah, Rao Mohammad Ajmal Khan, Mohammad Moeen Wattoo, Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, Chaudhry Mohammad Ashraf, Chau­dhry Mohammad Tufail, Chaudhry Mohammad Munir Azhar, Sardar Mansab Ali Dogar, Syed Mohammad Athar Hussain Shah Gillani and Rana Zahid Hussain Khan.

The minister for parliamentary affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed was also present at the meeting.

Prime Minister Abbasi advised the MNAs to work with dedication in order to bring about tangible positive change.

The Planning Commission, which is now controlled directly by Mr Abbasi as the minister in charge of planning and development, has reportedly released a total of Rs53.6 billionn in development funds as of Aug 11.

The disbursements include a lump-sum payment of Rs30bn for community development schemes on the recommendations of the parliamentarians under the Prime Minister’s Global Sustainable Development Goals Achievement programme.

This programme consists of small community development schemes, prepared on the recommendations of parliamentarians, ostensibly aimed at improving the living standards of citizens through the provision of new roads, sewerage and water supply projects.

Meanwhile, in a meeting held with MNAs from south Punjab, the prime minister issued directives to the finance division to clear all funds allocated for development schemes in the region.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2017