LAHORE: Punjab Chief Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal has said availability of essential commodities at the fixed rates is the responsibility of the administration and directed the officers to monitor the market committees’ work to stabilise the prices.

He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting at Multan commissioner’s office on Sunday.

South Punjab Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) retired Capt Saqib Zafar, Commissioner Dr Irshad, and deputy commissioners of Multan, Lodhran, Khanewal and Vehari, besides other officers, participated in the meeting.

The meeting reviewed the development schemes for Multan division, fertilisers’ prices and availability, price-control measures and Covid vaccination campaign.

Mr Afzal said special measures should be taken to curb fertilisers’ smuggling and ordered the DCs to continue the crackdown against them with the help of police’s special branch.

Taking notice of complaints of corruption in revenue department, he ordered action against the corrupt officials.

He directed the DCs to conduct regular visits to the land record centers and ensure early disposal of pending revenue cases.

He was informed that Rs13 billion had been earmarked for 565 development schemes in Multan division in the Annual development programme out of which 542 schemes had been approved and work orders of 508 schemes had been issued.

Multan commissioner told the chief secretary that 114,000 bags of urea and 66,000 of DAP were recovered from hoarders, while 166 persons had been arrested for hoarding after registration of 84 cases.

The meeting was informed that physical verification of fertiliser dealers had also been completed and check posts were set up to curb smuggling.

Mr Afzal paid a surprise visit to the Children and Nishtar hospitals and reviewed the cleanliness and other arrangements in the emergency, surgical and other wards of the facilities. He said funds would be allocated in the next budget for the improvement of the health sector.

He was informed a new Panah Gah (shelter) was being constructed in the Nishtar Hospital for the patients’ attendents.

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2021