CM Usman Buzdar orders availability of essentials at official prices

LAHORE:Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has directed the officers concerned to undertake all necessary measures to bring stability in the prices of essential edibles, including flour.

He directed that provision of essential commodities and flour should be ensured at officially fixed rates at any cost. “We will fully protect and safeguard the interests of the people during the current turbulent situation,” he added.

Usman Buzdar directed launch of a crackdown on hoarders and profiteers. He ordered indiscriminate stern action against them according to the law.

He said the divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners after launching the crackdown should submit their reports to the CM’s Office. He asserted that all administrative powers would be exercised for ensuring provision of essential items to the people at fixed rates and any undue hike in the prices of essential edibles would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Usman Buzdar said, “We will also initiate all possible steps to ensure provision of relief to the masses as it is our responsibility as well as duty.” An effective implementation on price control mechanism should also be ensured, he directed.

He said “I will myself monitor the steps being taken for ensuring price control and will not allow anyone to exploit the masses of the province,” said Usman Buzdar.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said the labour class will get real and substantial relief from the economic package of the PTI government.

The government would ensure provision of maximum relief to the poor segments of society and effectively cope up with coronavirus,” the CM said. “We believe in undertaking practical steps instead of making oral calculations,” he added.

He lamented that coronavirus pandemic had badly affected daily wage earners. Usman Buzdar said the PTI government had always given preference to the wellbeing of the common man and poor segments of society. He maintained, “It is our first and foremost priority as well as responsibility to take care of the labour class due to the distressing conditions prevailing on account of coronavirus.”

The PTI government will fully perform all its obligations by deeming it its national duty, he stated. The common man will be benefitted from the exemption of paying provincial taxes amounting to Rs18 billion and Punjab government will take every possible step to save the masses from the detrimental economic effects, he stressed.

Usman Buzdar vowed that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the government was fully prepared to cope up with coronavirus pandemic challenge. “We are taking each and every step for its complete eradication and have devoted our all energies as well as endeavours to protect and safeguard the lives of masses. We are providing best treatment and healthcare facilities to the affected patients and quarantine centres have also been increased across the province, concluded Usman Buzdar.

Condolence: Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar expressed his deep grief over the death of former Pakistani squash player Azam Khan in Great Britain.

Usman Buzdar, in his condolence message, expressed his heartfelt sympathies and prayed may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant fortitude to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.

Usman Buzdar paid rich tributes to the services of Azam Khan in the field of sports and complimented that the late was an eminent squash player who earned name and fame for Pakistan by winning laurels across the globe.

Ordinance: Usman Ahmed Khan Buzdar has said the Punjab Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Ordinance 2020 has been promulgated which will enable the provincial government to take all necessary measures to protect the public from the dangerous coronavirus.

On his twitter account, the chief minister said that the ordinance had been promulgated keeping in view the emergency situation in Punjab. He also tweeted important points of the ordinance.

According to the ordinance, if the epidemic spreads, the private doctors and hospitals can be ordered to treat the patients. The government can impose any kind of ban anywhere, including banning people from sending their children to school or gatherings. The government will also have the authority to make decisions about burial and transportation of dead bodies of patients. The ordinance empowers the government to impose sanctions on various festivals and gatherings. The ordinance allows the government to close any premises.

The deputy commissioner would have the authority to restrict any type of movement in certain areas for a specified period, and transfer any sick or infectious person to specific places.

The government will also be allowed to screen the masses anywhere. Every citizen is responsible to report sick people to certified medical officer and penalties would be imposed in case of non-implementation.

Violation of any clause of the ordinance will result in two months imprisonment and fine of Rs50 000. Violation of more than one clause will lead to six months imprisonment and fine of Rs0.1 million. Fine up to Rs0.2 million will imposed on an institution for first time violation.

For the patients receiving treatment at a quarantine centre or some other facility, the first escape attempt will lead to six months imprisonment and fine of Rs50,000. A second escape attempt will lead to an 18 months imprisonment and fine of up to Rs0.1 million.-SABAH