Construction sector’s role sought in jobs creation

LAHORE: The Punjab government has stressed upon the construction sector to cooperate with the government to provide jobs to the youth in order to cope with the unemployment issue in the province.

The demand was raised by Communications and Works Minister Sardar Muhammad Asif Nakai and Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar. The minister held a meeting with a delegation of constructors association of Pakistan.

The purpose of the meeting was to review the generation of job opportunities in constructions industry. Sardar Asif while talking to the delegation said the construction sector had a vital role in the progress and development of the country which not only helped to achieve the economic growth targets but also in generating job opportunities for the people. He said construction companies should prefer local items instead of imported raw material. He said Punjab government would provide all out assistance to extend the private sector.

The finance minister said governmental reforms could not yield positive results unless all the stakeholders play their role. Construction Association of Pakistan Chairman Muhammad Habib Kanwal informed the ministers regarding the problems being faced by the construction industry.

carpet industry: Minister for Industries, Commerce and Trade Mian Aslam Iqbal has said a comprehensive plan has been chalked out for the revival of handmade carpet industry. Chairing a meeting held at Civil Secretariat here Monday, the minister said that the industry will be revived with the collaboration of Punjab Small Industries Corporation and Cluster Development Project with the consultation of all stakeholders. Handicraft is a culture of Pakistan and this culture will be revived at all cost, the minister said. Punjab Small Industries Corporation MD, chairperson Carpet Training Institute and officers of Industries Department attended the meeting.

The minister said it was top most priority of the government to enhance exports and decrease imports and all resources are being utilised in this regard. He said SMEs plays a vital role in the progress of the country and generates thousands of jobs. The Punjab government has chalked out a comprehensive strategy for the promotion of SMEs. He said every possible step will be taken for the promotion of the art of handicrafts.

The minister directed for a comprehensive plan for the revival of cluster centres of Ahmed Pur East, Rahimyar Khan and Rajanpur. Urological moot: Under the aegis of Pakistan Association of Urological Surgeons, an international conference is going to be held in Lahore on Friday (March 8) in which delegates from Pakistan as well as other countries will be participating.

Pakistan Association of Urological Surgeons President Prof Dr Muhammad Nazir said in this conference the delegates would apprise the young doctors about the diseases of kidneys and gall bladders, its complications and latest treatment. Prof Nazir said unfortunately the problems of kidney were spreading very rapidly and every 7th citizen was victim of this disease. He said it was the need of the hour that awareness among masses should be created to avoid such problems.

Prof Nazir said, “It is a good omen that doctors from other countries are visiting Pakistan to attend this august conference. The event would specially be helpful for the doctors as operation is much serious part for the life of the patient and apart from the saving the life it is also to be ensured that patient is able to spend life in normal routine.” He hoped such type of conferences would be helpful for the doctors and patients.