MULTAN: The district government has proposed two sites for the south Punjab civil secretariat, Dawn has learnt.

According to recommendations sent to the provincial government, the district government has suggested a new complex at 584 kanals and 19 marlas on Mati Tal Road. The land is owned by the provincial government where once former chief minister laid the foundation stone for the construction of sports complex. Later, the plan was abandoned because of the shortage of funds. The ownership of the land is in the name of sports complex.

The other suggested location for the secretariat is in the possession of Pakistan Cotton Committee and is owned by the provincial government on Old Shujaabad Road. The 291 kanals and 12 marlas piece is already being used for cotton research propose. The building of the cotton research institute already exists there.

Sources said that initially the secretariat will be established in the cotton research institute to be shifted to Mati Tal Road.

They said that Chief Minister Usman Buzdar directed the authorities to purpose the land for the establishment of secretariat for both urgent and permanent basis.

The chief minister who avoided to meet the people during his visit to Multan last week wants to give a surprise to the people of south Punjab with the announcement of the establishment of civil secretariat besides a number of development projects when he is expected to visit the city in December.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2018