FAISALABAD: Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has announced the restoration of frozen funds of local governments across Punjab.

“I announce the restoration of the local bodies funds which will be allocated in consultation with the local parliamentarians,” he told media here on Tuesday.

Mr Buzdar announced a package of Rs13bn for Faisalabad also, saying that the government would resolve its issues on a priority basis.

The visit follows a recent direction by the prime minister to Mr Buzdar to visit Faisalabad and address concerns of PTI lawmakers.

He claimed that the Punjab government had been providing flour to the masses at a fixed rate and he himself would check the prices personally.

Announces Rs13bn for Faisalabad

The CM said the government had acquired 187 kanal land for the journalists’ colony and a notification would be issued soon. He said the PML-N parliamentarians in Faisalabad had met him as anybody could meet the chief executive of the province.

Mr Buzdar inaugurated the Lyallpur Art and Craft Gallery at the Chenab Club Chowk. Handicrafts made by prisoners were exhibited at the gallery along with the local traditional costumes.

Speaking on the occasion, he said Punjab would become a tourism hub in the future and it’s handicrafts and fine arts would highlight Pakistan’s soft image.

He also held a meeting with the local parliamentarians and the government officials at the Circuit House where he was briefed on the Muharram security arrangements. He asked the officials to ensure implementation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding Covid-19.

He said 10,000 constables would be recruited in police and 600 vehicles would also be given to the department. He asked police officials to work hard to contain the crimes.

Buzdar assured the parliamentarians that chairmen of the Faisalabad Development Authority, Solid Waste Management and Parks and Horticulture Authority would be notified soon.

The parliamentarians apprised him of the issues of their respective constituencies.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2020