LAHORE: The Cabinet Standing Committee for Finance & Development on Thursday approved mega development projects as well as granted approval in principle to transfer new colleges, universities and hospitals on solar energy to conserve energy.

The meeting chaired by Chief Minister Usman Buzdar informed that the transfer of new institutions on solar energy would ensure up to 45 per cent energy conservation. The meeting also gave in principle approval to establish a directorate of drug control to regulate manufacturing and standard of cosmetics and allied issues. The meeting also approved establishment as well as upgradation of several hospitals.

Rs1 billion were approved for eight roads of Faisalabad. This approval was given in the backdrop of an announcement made by CM Buzdar during his Faisalabad visit to complete 22 development projects with Rs14 billion under the district development package.

The meeting was attended by finance minister Hashim Jawan Bakht, industries minister Mian Aslam Iqbal, Chairman P&D and secretaries of finance, housing, local governments and special healthcare & medical education departments and others.

SOPs: Meanwhile, the chief minister has directed to strictly follow the Covid SOPs and said the restriction on wearing the mask and social distancing should strictly be enforced in Ramazan bazaars. He said facemask was of utmost necessary to deal with the Covid-19.

Mr Buzdar also urged people to avoid the rush in Ramazan bazaars in wake of the recent wave of corona. He stressed that people should come to Ramazan bazaars wearing masks and observe social distance.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2021