In-service death: CM approves package for families of govt servants

LAHORE: Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi approved a relief package equivalent to that provided to police martyrs to be extended to the families of officers or employees who sacrificed their lives while serving any government department.

The chief minister emphasised extending a comparable aid package to injured government employees. Directing the formation of a committee led by the Additional Chief Secretary, Mohsin Naqvi tasked it with reviewing cases and formulating final recommendations.

The 13th meeting of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Finance and Development, chaired by the chief minister, addressed the financial assistance case for the family of Excise Inspector Muhammad Rafi, martyred in the line of duty, and the injured Inspector Sanaullah Bhatti. Prompted by the incident, the CM ordered an immediate review, approving an aid package equivalent to the police martyrs package for the family of the late Inspector Muhammad Rafi and the injured Excise Inspector Sanaullah Bhatti. Notably, Inspector Rafi lost his life, and Inspector Bhatti sustained severe injuries and disabilities due to gunfire by drug dealers in Rahim Yar Khan. The meeting was attended by Provincial Ministers SM Tanveer, Amir Mir, and Mansoor Qadir, along with Chief Secretary, IGP, SMBR, Chairman Planning and Development Board, and secretaries of relevant departments.

Australian High Commissioner meets CM

Australia's High Commissioner Neil Hawkins held a productive talk with the caretaker chief minister here Monday.

The chief minister extended congratulations to the Australian High Commissioner and the people on Australia's 6th World Cup win. As a gesture, the High Commissioner presented a cricket ball signed by Australian captain Pat Cummins and Mark Taylor to Mohsin Naqvi. The Australian diplomat commended Mohsin Naqvi as a diligent and active leader. He pledged steps to provide kangaroos to Lahore Zoo and affirmed Australia's readiness to enhance cooperation with Punjab across various fields.

The CM emphasised the implementation of measures to combat smog, making masks mandatory for citizens and securing advanced technology with the collaboration of friendly countries. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to develop parks according to international standards and expressed interest in tapping into Australia's expertise in agriculture, livestock, dairy development, and technology. The meeting discussed issues of mutual interest.

Inspects Band Road controlled access corridor

The chief minister inspected the ongoing development works at the under-construction ‘Band Road Controlled Access Corridor’ project. Naqvi specifically observed the construction progress of walls around the corridor in Package One. Providing directives to the contractor of Package 2, he emphasised the need to expedite the corridor walls' construction and urged for the timely completion of the project.

Commissioner Lahore Division/ DG LDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa, along with contractors, briefed the CM on the project's advancement, stating that the 7.3km long controlled access corridor Band Road project is anticipated to be completed within four months.

The Controlled Access Corridor spans from Niazi Chowk to Saggian Interchange in Package One and Saggian Interchange to Babu Sabu Interchange in Package Two.

The CM also inspected the Cavalry underpass progress and directed to ensure high-quality finishing work and announced that the facility would be opened soon.

Naqvi calls Punjab Cabinet meeting in Gujranwala

The CM has called a meeting of the Punjab Cabinet in Gujranwala. After Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad, Gujranwala is the 5th division where the Punjab Cabinet will meet and discuss an important agenda.

Takes notice of hand burning incident

The caretaker CM ordered an inquiry into the incident of burning the hand of a student in a Khanpur school and directed the CMIT chairman to submit an inquiry report within 24 hours. He asked Education Minister Mansoor Qadir to go to Khanpur to determine those responsible for the negligence and added that action should be taken. The best treatment be provided to the child, he added.