LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s Punjab government has congratulated itself for its ‘wonderful’ two-year performance in power.The Punjab cabinet held its special meeting at the chief minister’s secretariat on Wednesday, wherein Law Minister Basharat Raja presented a resolution to felicitate the provincial government over its two-year ‘wonderful’ performance. The resolution was unanimously adopted, says a handout.

The resolution stated: “This meeting expresses its gratitude over the dawn of a new era of progress and prosperity under Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. This meeting is of the considered opinion that two years performance of the Punjab government depicts the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan as the journey started in 2018 introduced a new system that shook the foundations of an exploitative agenda of an archaic system spanning over 70 years.”

The meeting was also unanimous in saying that the Punjab government had introduced several reforms for transforming the governance model and this has helped in the conspicuous improvements in government performance along with accountability of the institutions.

The Punjab cabinet also explained that the government had made record legislation besides initiating work on several mega projects. The meeting was of the opinion that all the initiatives were not exhibitory projects but public welfare schemes and work on them was in progress speedily.

Ministers assume laudatory tone; CM enumerates public welfare projects

Though the Punjab government faced a number of challenges while transforming the outdated system, the cabinet said the impediments were dealt with steadfastness. The important step was giving the people of southern Punjab their lost right and CM Usman Buzdar had fulfilled the promise of the southern Punjab secretariat. It is the only provincial government that initiated steps to redress the injustices committed against the backward districts.

The cabinet in unison said that an era of economic stability and composite development had started in Punjab and added that it would continue to vigorously play its role during the next three years to make Punjab a model province, with full commitment and passion.

Speaking at the meeting, the chief minister said he was surprised to know at the outset that meetings of the board of governors of some departments were not held even after passing of years. “Despite difficult challenges, we presented a progressive and pro-business budget and it was not possible to present a better budget than it in these circumstances. We identified our financial way forward.”

Buzdar enumerated various projects in the realm of education, health, irrigation and infrastructure. He spoke of Rs56 billion tax relief, Sehat Insaf card scheme, construction of hospitals in various districts, upgrade of 1,272 schools and [upcoming] 2,200 kilometre roads under Naya Pakistan Manzalain Asaan Programme and Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project. He said work on upgrade of Upper Jhelum Canal and DG Khan Canal is in progress which would revolutionarise the irrigation system.

He said the Punjab Assembly during two years approved 58 bills of public welfare and issued 25 new ordinances. The assembly passed 38 basic laws. He claimed that Punjab Assembly made more legislation as compared to other provincial assemblies.He thanked the cabinet members for their cooperation and added that the cabinet always gave priority to public interest while taking decisions. “We have worked diligently and made tireless efforts. We are neat and clean and also faced criticism for the sake of criticism but it did not deter our commitment. The government is credited that no corruption scandal has surfaced as only work was done. Instead of gimmickry, ease was created in public life through practical steps,” Mr Buzdar said.

He said Punjab was leading other provinces in transparency, merit and good governance and foundation of a developed Punjab had been laid in two years. He said promises made with people would be fulfilled during the next three years. He also appreciated the performance of Punjab government employees and congratulated the political teams for its remarkable performance.

Senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan stated best decisions were made under the leadership of CM Usman Buzdar despite difficult circumstances. Despite opposition, he said, the Punjab government performed well and worked round-the-clock.

Health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid stated that major success was achieved against coronavirus and the situation was much better as compared to other provinces because the chief minister had always focused on health.

Other cabinet members also spoke on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2020