MULTAN
Federal Minister for Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Bosan has said that the federal government can supply wheat to the Sindh government for tackling famine in Thar.
Talking to the journalists here the other day, he added that plenty of wheat stock was available in Punjab and if the Sindh Government contacted, they would be supplied wheat. He claimed that the government was serious for resolving problems being faced by the South Punjab.
He said that Australian Government always supported Pakistan in boosting agricultural production and currently projects were underway for enhancing mango yield. He said that Pakistan wanted further extension in these projects and it was agreed in a recent meeting with Australian delegation that the ongoing projects would continue even after the expiry of their time limit.
FUNDS FOR ONGOING PROJECTS: DCO Zahid Saleem Gondal has disclosed that the government has released Rs1.24 billion for 47 ongoing development projects of Multan. Addressing a meeting here on Saturday, he added that Rs15 million was released for judicial complex and Rs50 million for purchase of machinery for kidney centre. He further disclosed that Rs47 million was released for construction of Women University campus and Rs37 million for sports complex and gymnasium in Bahauddin Zakariya University.
He took serious notice of delay in execution of 14 development projects and warned the concerned officials that they would have to face action for this delay. He said that the promotion of officials was subject to their performance in completion of development projects. He directed concerned officials to start the purchase of machinery for kidney centre as soon as possible besides completing paper work of Multan Museum. He declared that funds for construction of old age home in Multan would soon be acquired.
Meanwhile, chairing a meeting to review pesticide adulteration cases, he disclosed that the Punjab Government was going to set up a new forensic lab in Lahore for testing pesticides and fertilizer. He said that adulteration of pesticides and pesticides was a serious national crime as it ruined agriculture which was backbone of economy. He directed concerned officials to step up campaign against adulterators and book them instead of imposing mere fine. He also directed prosecution department to pursue the cases in courts and get the criminals punished.