LAHORE - Punjab Chief Secretary Capt (r) Zahid Saeed has directed that procurement cells in all departments be established so that the process of procurement can be carried out in a more transparent and professional way. 

He was presiding over a meeting of Administrative Secretaries' Committee at Civil Secretariat on Friday. The meeting discussed, in detail, annual development programme, creation of procurement cells in departments, transitional arrangements in local government setup and complaints of Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission.

Addressing the meeting, the chief secretary said that record funds have been allocated for health, education, agriculture and housing sector in the annual development programme. He ordered that all development schemes be completed on time, adding that no delay would be tolerated in this regard.

He directed the administrative secretaries to personally review annual development programme on regular basis so that 100 percent utilisation of funds could be ensured. He also ordered early disposal of pension cases and departmental inquiries. He mentioned that protection of life and property is prime responsibility of the government.

He directed that security arrangements in educational institutes be rechecked and a fresh security audit of schools and colleges be conducted.  He said that all departments should extend full cooperation to Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission for resolving problems of Pakistani expatriates. He directed the heads of all provincial departments to resolve problems of people on priority basis and improve public service delivery.

The participants also prayed for the martyrs of PIA plane crash. The meeting was attended by Chairman Planning and Development Board, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Additional Chief Secretary, administrative secretaries of different departments and officers concerned.