LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan has won the hearts of the people through concrete measures to overcome price hike and this is the ‘real change’, says Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

In a statement on Tuesday, the CM says people have been given relief and credit goes to the PTI-led government to bring a record decrease in prices of petrol, diesel and electricity.

Meanwhile, MNA Sardar Nasrullah Khan Dreshak and Livestock Minister Sardar Husnain Bahadur Dreshak met with Mr Buzdar at his office and discussed matters of mutual interests.

The CM says Pakistan cannot be moved forward through a no-confidence threat or long march and regretted that the opposition is trying to impede the development journey through politics of anarchy.

CIVIL DEFENCE: The chief minister says role of the civil defence department cannot be ignored and it is imperative to update this institution according to modern-day needs. The role of the civil defence department in war and natural calamities is important as protecting the life of the citizens is a noble cause, he says.

SACM: Special Assistant to Chief Minister (SACM) Hasaan Khawar says at a time when geo-political landscape of the world is forcing even the wealthiest of the countries to bend before inflation, Prime Minister Imran Khan has yet again proved his empathy for the poor by announcing a historic relief package.

Khawar says the recent package encompasses all vital areas ranging from reduction in prices of oil and electricity, increase in cash disbursements under Ehsaas Kafalat Programme, 100 per cent tax exemption for IT sector, abolition of Capital Gains Tax for IT start-ups, a five-year tax exemption for overseas Pakistani investors and Rs38 billion scholarships for students.

He expressed these views while briefing the media regarding decisions taken during the 51st meeting of the provincial cabinet here at Alhamra.

The SACM says the cabinet has approved amendments to the Punjab Civil Servants Act 1974 under which 32pc quota has been reserved for south Punjab candidates in government jobs. Moreover, amendments to Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961 were approved while a ministerial committee was formed to devise rules and regulations regarding lease of 500 to 5,000 acres of land for agricultural and industrial partnership under the next phase of CPEC.

He says other agenda items approved in the cabinet meeting were Punjab Sahulat Bazaar Authority Act 2021 for establishing permanent bazaars across the province, amendments to Regularisation of Services Act 2018 to regularise contract employees, amendments to birth control policy for stray dogs as directed by the court, Punjab Road Safety Authority Act 2020, and amendments to Punjab Drugs Rules 2007.

Approval has also been given to reconstitute the District Consumer Protection Council to bring all relevant institutions and stakeholders under one platform. Similarly, approval of establishment of Punjab Private Schools Regulatory Authority is also an important decision for redressal of complaints from parents, students and schools.

Hasaan Khawar says exemption of 95pc token tax for electric vehicles is another ‘generous’ incentive which will go a long way in reducing air pollution in cities of Punjab.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2022