LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to showcase the culture, trade and tourism of the province at the upcoming Dubai Expo to be held in November this year.

Presiding over a meeting at his office held on Sunday to finalise the plans for joining the Dubai Expo, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said the Punjab government would fully participate in the show, giving due representation to south, central and Pothohar regions.

The meeting also decided in principle to give representation to the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry and private sector in the expo as well.

Mr Buzdar said culture, trade, tourism, and other salient features of Punjab’s glorious traditions would be highlighted at the Dubai Expo. “The purpose of participating in the Dubai Expo is to promote a softer image of Pakistan,” he said and added that foreign investors would also be offered the opportunities in business and tourism sectors in Punjab.

He stressed the need for creating awareness about the business-friendly environment of Punjab.

The industries minister, principal secretary to the CM, secretaries of planning & development, finance, industries and other officials concerned attended the meeting.

AIR AMBULANCE: Mr Buzdar has directed the civil administration to finalise all matters regarding the launch of the Rescue Air Ambulance Service as soon as possible.

At a meeting at his office on Sunday, the chief minister said the start of air ambulance would give a new identity to the Rescue services.

Mr Buzdar said Punjab would be the first province in the region to have such facility that would extend the scope of rescue work to the remote areas of the province.

“The air ambulance service is a prime need of the time,” he added.The additional chief secretary, principal secretary to the CM and DG Rescue Services attended the meeting.

CPWB: The chief minister has said the scope of the Child Protection Bureau will be extended to every district of the province to safeguard the rights of the children.

He said the CPWB had been turned into a vibrant institute by his government, while the previous one did not hold a single board meeting of the bureau during the last 12 years.

He said this during a meeting with his Special Coordinator Sara Ahmad who called on him at his office and presented him the three years’ performance report of the CPWB.

Mr Buzdar said the government was providing all resources to the bureau to safeguard the rights of destitute and helpless children.

He ordered indiscriminate action against the gangs involved in child beggary.

Upon invitation from the special coordinator, Mr Buzdar said he would inaugurate the Faisalabad chapter of the CPWB during his visit to the city.

Ms Ahmad apprised the chief minister of the measures taken by the bureau to prevent the incidents of torture and forced child beggary.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2021