LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday directed the Punjab government to take action against the ‘qabza mafia’ and hoarders besides controlling inflation.

Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, chief secretary Jawwad Rafique Malik and IG Police briefed the prime minister about political and law and order situation in the country. The CS and IGP also briefed the premier about the crackdown against ‘qabza mafia’ and hoarders as well as measures to control prices of daily-use items.

During a briefing on the measures taken to protect women against harassment and assault, the prime minister directed that strict action should be taken against those involved in assaulting women. The prime minister later held a meeting with Punjab Local Government Minister Mahmoodur Rasheed and CM’s Complaint Cell chairman Zubair Niazi and discussed the political situation in the province as well as party matters and resolution of public complaints.

KISSAN CARD: PM Imran Khan says the government is all set to bring about reforms in the agriculture sector through the Agricultural Transformation Plan.

Chairing a meeting to review the impact of the Kissan card, the prime minister asserted that helping farmers was the foremost priority of the PTI government. Earlier, the prime minister was informed that some 375,000 Kissan cards had been distributed and the number was increasing at a faster rate. The premier was told that the farmers had made 595,000 transactions to avail subsidy to the tune of Rs600 million. “It is hoped that there will be a bumper cotton crop due to subsidy,” the meeting was told.

The meeting was also told that the Kissan card would eliminate the ‘token system’ and corruption, while the farmers would directly get their right.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2021