DERA GHAZI KHAN: The Punjab government has cancelled six inactive mineral contracts in Dera Ghazi Khan and imposed a Rs600,000 fine for violations of rules and regulations.

In the Sulaiman region, new mineral deposits have been discovered. Punjab Mines and Minerals Director retired Captain Arshad Manzoor visited Dera Ghazi Khan and said that a geological survey of the Mountainous Sulaiman region, stretching from Taunsa to Rajanpur, has been initiated. Resource mapping in the area is already in progress.

He inspected the minerals office, heard cases, and made important decisions. Later, at a meeting at the commissioner’s office, he said a transparent auction of mineral contracts would be conducted.

He said that the Sulaiman region, extending from Taunsa to Rajanpur, is rich in minerals. With the discovery of new mineral deposits, additional areas will be transparently auctioned during this financial year. This development is expected to create employment opportunities for local residents, with mapping already underway.

He expressed concern about the financial losses incurred by the country due to illegal mining. Representing the commissioner, Additional Commissioner Karim Bakhsh assured that the policies and laws of the Punjab government would be rigorously enforced, and no leniency would be shown to those who harm the national treasury.

HEALTH PROTECTION WEEK: Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department offers free of cost diagnostic and other medical facilities to the people in the district from Oct 23 to 26 as part of the provincial government initiative of Health Protection Week.

Under the initiative, taken on the orders of the chief minister, district headquarters hospital, tehsil headquarters hospitals at Taunsa and Kot Chutta, besides all rural health centres (Barthi, Waholwa, Tabi Qaisrani, Shadan Lound, Kala, Shah Saddardin, Sarwar wali, Choti Zireen, Kadirabad) and selected primary health centers (Retara, Chhabri Lower, Mana Ahmadani) are offering diagnostic and other health facilities.

These facilities include digital registration through EMR Application, basic medical examination, hemoglobin, sugar test, hepatitis B and C screening, HIV screening, and malaria tests, which will be conducted free of cost.

Moreover, doctors will conduct lung health and TB screening, besides medical check up and vaccination of pregnant women, who will also have free ultrasound scan.

The children under two years of age will be vaccinated during the four day activity, while counseling services will also be available regarding health issues at the public healthcare facilities in the district.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2023