LAHORE: Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Tuesday directed the provincial administrative machinery to ensure strict compliance with the use of face masks in government offices, saying no one should be allowed to enter offices without masks.

In his directions, he stated: “No one is exempted from this restriction and any violation will not be tolerated. The habit of wearing masks and washing hands will save the people from this disease as the adoption of precautionary measures is very essential to overcoming the spread of coronavirus.”

Meanwhile, the CM inaugurated the pilot project of six mobile milk-testing laboratories and a 10-motorcycle squad of Punjab Food Authority (PFA) here on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Buzdar said the mobile labs will check milk quality in the morning and evening at Thokar Niaz Beg, Ravi Toll Plaza, Bhobatian Chowk, Saggian Bridge, Gajjumatta and Babu Sabu in the first phase. No vehicle carrying milk will enter Lahore without testing, and the scope of this facility will be extended to the divisional and district levels, he added.

Similarly, the bike squad will check the quality of eatables in different localities along with inspection of licences. The squad has been established to redress complaints of adulteration and sale of substandard items, he stated.

He asserted that the “adulteration mafia” did not deserve any leniency and that provision of quality food items was the responsibility of the state. He directed to further expedite the campaign against adulteration and sale of substandard items. He vowed that the adulteration mafia will not be allowed to play with the health of people. The government will provide full support to the food authority as curbing of the adulteration mafia was essential, he added.

Moreover, the burden on hospitals could be decreased by ensuring provision of pure food to people. Buzdar reiterated that the government will go to every extent to ensure provision of pure food and no pressure will be tolerated in this regard.

The PFA director general said the milk testing will take two minutes.

Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, Information Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, PFA Chairman Umar Tanvir, the chief secretary and food secretary were also present.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2020