Punjab CM for separate anti-narcotics dept

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered for creating a new department for anti-narcotics.

While chairing a review meeting on the Department of Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control on Wednesday, she ordered to clear backlog of registration plates of motor vehicles.

The chief minister directed the authorities concerned to prepare an assessment report on the difference of property tax due to mismatch in the properties’ rental values and DC rates.

She approved setting up a tax consultancy unit for proper evaluation of tax.

Earlier, the CM was briefed that 13 excise check-posts would be established to prevent smuggling of goods and drugs.

Moreover, the launch of e-stamped documents for e-registrations of vehicles would result in 12.5 percent increase in tax collection.

The revival of opium factory and the review of pharmaceuticals would add a tax revenue of Rs900 million.

Separately, the CM chaired a review meeting of the Livestock Department to have a briefing on export potential of livestock sector.

Maryam Nawaz decided to launch field hospital and clinic-on-wheels project under the revolutionary programme soon. She also accorded approval to undertake revamping of the rural and basic health centres across Punjab.

The CM presided over fifth meeting on health reforms in a span of one month, in which approval to such an important project was granted, along with reconstituting health system and reviewing ongoing health projects.