LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has directed the administrations of all districts to ensure reduction in transport fares following the cut in diesel prices.
“Reduction in transport fares is a right of the people; their exploitation will not be allowed,” warned the chief minister. She further ordered that the revised fares must be prominently displayed after due reduction. Maryam Nawaz directed the relevant authorities of district administrations and the transport department to take strict action against transporters who do not comply with the government fare notification across the province.
At the same time, CM Punjab directed all stakeholders, including district administrations, PDMA, Police, and Rescue 1122, to remain alert and take necessary precautionary measures in view of possible torrential rains in Punjab. She instructed deputy commissioners and other relevant officers to remain in the field and ensure implementation of the instructions issued by the PDMA Punjab.
The CM also ordered advance measures to cope with the threat of cloudbursts in Upper Punjab. She directed authorities to make necessary arrangements to prevent possible flood torrents in the river valleys of Koh-e-Sulaiman, besides taking special measures in Murree, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal and Koh-e-Sulaiman districts.
Maryam approved a ban on tourist travel to Murree and adjoining areas as a precautionary step. She directed authorities to “restrict movement of tourists in view of cloudbursts, landsliding and torrential rains.” On her directions, the PDMA Punjab has been mobilised and is providing the required resources immediately. She further directed deputy commissioners to remain in constant contact with PDMA authorities to take preventive steps amid fears of unusual increases in river flows due to torrential rains.
In compliance with her instructions, boats, life jackets and other rescue equipment have been provided to populations living near waterways. “Immediate evacuation of citizens from riverbeds should be ensured,” she ordered.
The CM also directed authorities to enforce a ban on bathing in rivers, canals, and streams in view of possible flooding. She ordered police patrolling along the banks of rivers and streams, and appealed to parents to prevent their children from going near waterways.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz arrived at Handa Airport, Tokyo, where she was accorded a warm welcome by high-ranking officials of the Japanese government on her official visit.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan Abdul Hameed also welcomed her and her delegation on the occasion. A large number of overseas Pakistanis living in Japan were also present to welcome the chief minister.
