LAHORE: The Pakistan Democratic Movement(PDM) is an unnatural group of political robber-barons with no concrete agenda but to deceive the masses, says Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.
In a statement issued here on Friday, the chief minister said the PDM comprised political opportunists whose every conspiracy had failed. This unnatural union was worthless before the transparent politics of Prime Minister Imran Khan, and the opposition should adopt positive behaviour instead of wasting energies in anarchistic politics, he said.
He said the PTI government was stronger than before and it would certainly win the next elections.
The government believed in composite development. The development projects had been launched after identifying genuine public needs and requirements for different areas.
“No region will remain deprived of development and backward areas are also given equal importance in the development journey. Development is fundamental right of the people of south Punjab which has been given to them by the PTI government. The Punjab cabinet has approved rules of business for the south Punjab secretariat and the government has fulfilled its promise by giving administrative autonomy to it,” he stated.
The CM regretted that the past government befooled the people of south Punjab with empty slogans and reappropriated south Punjab funds for projects of choice. The PTI government has allocated a ring-fenced budget of Rs189 billion to ensure balanced development in south Punjab districts, he said.
Similarly, the CM concluded that the foundation stone of the south Punjab secretariat would be laid soon in Bahawalpur while a separate ADP book was also printed.
Meanwhile, the CM directed the administration to initiate a crackdown on those involved in an artificial price hike and directed the provincial price control committee to take necessary steps against hoarders and profiteers.
He directed the administration to actively work for providing substantial relief to the general public. The deputy commissioners should monitor the price control steps and quality as well as the prices of essential items, and regularly monitor Sunday bazaars, he added.
The provincial cabinet committee for price control should ensure that essential items were available at fixed rates and action be initiated against those involved in artificial price hike, the CM directed.
He said the people could not be left at the mercy of profiteers and the profiteering mafia would not be allowed to act at will. The government would fully protect the interests of the common man and every possible step would be taken to give a relief to the masses.
Necessary administrative steps would be taken to stabilise the prices of essential items and no negligence would be tolerated in this regard.
Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2021
