RAWALPINDI: Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Monday said Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan is a well-versed politician but he has not only insulted public mandate but also wasted three years by not taking the oath in the assembly.

Mr Khan is not a challenge for Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar or the PTI, she said while talking to journalists at the inauguration of a vaccination centre for journalists at Rawalpindi Press Club.

National Press Club President Shakeel Anjum was also present on the occasion.

She said vaccination centres for journalists had also been set up in press clubs in Lahore, Gujranwala and Sahiwal.

Says he wasted three years by not taking oath

Journalists have been performing their duties on the frontline during the pandemic. Therefore, on the direction of Mr Buzdar, the health department would set up formal camps in 36 districts of the province to vaccinate journalists against Covid-19 on a priority basis.

She said in a democratic system, journalists and the government stand together in the face of challenges.

She congratulated journalists over promulgation of the Journalists’ Protection Bill, adding special efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan had resulted in success for journalists after a 12-year struggle.

Dr Awan said due to economic issues in the country, media houses and journalists were facing hardship.

She also said the Punjab government had made significant progress in the agricultural sector as record production had been achieved.

She said wheat production had increased by 8pc, sugarcane production by 22pc while rice production also increased due to the farmer-friendly policies of the government.

The chief minister fulfilled the dream of equal development in backward areas of the province as the development package given in every district of Punjab is unprecedented.

Inflation and unemployment are big challenges; in any case the mafia will be punished. She said the prime minister’s slogan of accountability is same for all and.She said a 25pc special allowance will be given in the June salary to government employees, adding the government had always protected interests of the salaried class. Local body elections should be made a reality for democracy, she added.

Responding to a question, Dr Awan said she would arrange a special media briefing on Rawalpindi Ring Road and will answer every question.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2021