Punjab govt, PAF sign agreement: PAF to run Fort Munro THQ hospital

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said the PAF is cooperating with the Punjab government in different sectors of public welfare.

He said this at an agreement signing ceremony between the Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department, Punjab, and the Pakistan Air Force regarding handing over of administrative affairs of the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Fort Munro, to the PAF. It was informed on this occasion that the 40-bed hospital in Fort Minro was constructed at a cost of 15 crore 75 lakh rupees. The process of providing all necessary medical apparatus according to PC-1 has been completed in the hospital which is stretched over an area of 20 Kanals. After the completion of the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital (THQ), Fort Munro, matters related to the provision of medical facilities and administration are being shifted to the PAF.

It is noteworthy that an MoU has already been signed between the PAF and the School Education Department on March 18, which says that the PAF will set up the Pakistan Air Force Cadet College at 100 Acres in Fort Munro and the Punjab government will contribute one billion rupees for it.

Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz said the establishment of the THQ hospital at Fort Munro and handing over its administrative affairs to the PAF is a historical move. Congratulating the authorities concerned, the CM said that with the establishment of this hospital, not only locals will be provided best health facilities but tourists could also get assistance. The government is vigilant to improve health facilities for its people by providing incinerator, CT Scan machines, pathology labs, construction of new blocks and completion of development projects. The health culture has changed in Punjab as hospitals are now equipped with the latest technology.

He said new hospitals, schools, colleges, universities and roads have been constructed in Punjab, including DG Khan. The PML-N government has taken robust steps for the welfare of people of South Punjab. The establishment of a cadet college at Fort Munro, THQ hospital and provision of other facilities will not only assist the local population but will also promote tourism.

Talking to the media after the ceremony, he said that according to a report issued by the UNDP, Punjab has been declared the best province in terms of education, health and other sectors. Mentioning Racep Tayyip Erdogan hospital, the CM said Turkey helped us “in the hour of need and we never forgot our well-wishers”.

Chief of Air Staff Mujahid Anwer, while addressing the ceremony, said it is an honour for the PAF that the administrative responsibilities of the THQ hospital have been “shifted to us and we highly regard the Punjab government for showing this confidence”. The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Energy Awais Khan Leghari, Provincial Minister Dr Ayseha Ghous Pasha, Khawaja Salman Rafique, Khawaja Imran Nazeer, Chief Sectary and other officials.

Meanwhile, a delegation headed by Wen Gang, president of International Chinese group Norenko, called on Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif. Wen Gang congratulated Shahbaz Sharif over the successful launch of the Orange Line Metro Train Trial Service. The CM said this successful trial is an important milestone and this great project is a gift for Pakistan, especially the people of Lahore, from the president and prime minister of China.

China's Consulate General Long Ding Bin and high officials of Norenko were present. Provincial Minister Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Head of Orange Line Metro Train Steering Committee Khawaja Ahmed Hassaan, Managing Director Mass Transit Authority, Chairman Planning and Development, Lord Mayor Lahore, Secretary Transport, Commissioner Lahore Division and other officials were also present.

In another meeting, former MPA from Kasur Ilyas Khan defected to the PML-N from the PML-Q. Ilyas expressed trust in the leadership of Shahbaz Sharif. Also on Sunday, Shahbaz Sharif visited the residence of Rajab Ali Baloch (late) at Kanjwani 455 GB, a distant village of Tandlianwala, to condole his death. He expressed sympathies to Ali Gohar Baloch, brother of Rajab Baloch, his mother and other family members. He offered Fateh for the departed soul.