LAHORE: Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi on Tuesday expressed concern over the non-payment of Rs146 billion to Punjab’s share by the federal government and regretted that the federation blocked legal and constitutionally-binding dues of the province.

Presiding over a meeting about the development, the CM made it clear that the federal government has not given anything to Punjab from the aid given to flood affectees. The federation has also not released the share for construction of houses for flood victims.

He pointed out that rehabilitation activities could also hamper because of paucity of funds. Similarly, he noted that different projects could be compromised because of the stoppage of Rs146bn.

The CM stressed that the Punjab government was striving hard to provide free medicines and other facilities to the patients and hospitals’ completion work could also be affected due to the non-release of dues by the Centre.

He said thousands of kilometers long dilapidated roads need immediate rehabilitation and repair but funds meant for it have ‘intentionally’ been stopped so that the province could be not complete the task.

The meeting was attended by Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, chief secretary, secretary communication and works and others.

TOURISM DAY: The chief minister said Pakistan has an abundance of beautiful places, tourist spots and places of religious importance.

In his message, the CM added that the tourism sector not only promotes local culture but also strengthens the national economy while creating job opportunities.

He said the purpose of celebrating the day is to promote tourism culture in the province as the motto of world tourism day is “rethinking tourism.”

New tourist spots are being introduced along with the provision of facilities as the tourism sector is an important source to earn foreign exchange.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2022