BAHAWALPUR, Sept 24: In order to take measures for poverty alleviation in Bahawalpur and other areas of southern Punjab and prepare a feasibility report , a delegation of the British High Commission on Friday paid a visit to the city and some of its rural areas.

The mission of the high commission's Department For International Development discussed the issues and problems with the officials of the district government, members and office-bearers of NGOs, heads of the educational institutions and the office-bearers of the Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The mission members also visited several local institutions.

The BCCI team apprised the mission of the problems confronting the district and discussed possibilities of initiating new projects to eliminate unemployment and poverty. Chamber president Abbas Raza informed the mission that new projects could be started here, as local material was available in abundance.

The visitors were informed that dairy and fish farming could be promoted, especially in the vast desert of Cholistan. Besides, the project of date processing along with that of mangoes could be helpful in eliminating unemployment in this area. It was suggested that cattle feeding projects could also be launched here.