ISLAMABAD - Reiterating that the PTI government will complete its five-year term, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar said on Friday that topmost priority of the incumbent dispensation is to empower people at grassroots by devolving powers through local government system.
Talking to a group media persons here after his successful recent visit to the US, Chaudhry Sarwar said that there is a great difference in the new and old local government systems.
Giving credit to Prime Minister Imran Khan, he said that under the local government system, MPAs and MNAs would not be able to take development funds and utilize them as per their wishes. “Now they will have a little role under the new system. They will only be able to recommend development schemes while execution of the schemes will be sole mandate of the Village Council”, the Governor said, arguing this was not done in the past. About Punjab Aab-e-Pak Authority, the governor said that projects worth more than 4 billion rupees have been started. “We will ensure absolute transparency in the Punjab Aab-e-Pak Authority and will provide clean drinking water to every citizen”, he asserted.
Talking about his visit to the USA, the Punjab Governor said that he had a successful visit during which Punjab and California have been declared sister states and a historic agreement between Agriculture University Faislabad and California University has been signed. “Both the universities will collaborate in agricultural research to enhance productivity”, he emphasised. He said he also held series of meetings with Congress members, leaders, Senators, Governors and added that the world is acknowledging peace efforts of Pakistan on diplomatic front.
He met with the US officials and apprised them about Pakistan's role in the Afghan peace process under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan along with Pakistan’s initiatives to combat the climate crisis and Pakistan’s handling of the coronavirus. Governor Punjab said that he had a successful meeting with US Senator Chris Van Hallen who has tabled the economic package bill for Pakistan. He is hopeful that he will be able to get the bill passed along with other senators. Pakistan’s narrative is now being heard in the world and our efforts for regional peace, especially for the Afghan peace process, is being applauded by the world, he added.
He was of the view that road to world peace goes through road of solution of Palestine and Kashmir dispute.
The Governor Punjab said that India has always been involved in negative propaganda about Pakistan in the world but ever since Prime Minister Imran Khan came to power, Pakistan has emerged successful on the diplomatic front.
Replying to a question, the Governor Punjab said that Pakistani and Indian Sikh communities in the United States are on the same page and the Sikh community always stands by Pakistan's stance on issues like Kashmir. He further noted that the Sikh community is grateful to Prime Minister Imran Khan for opening the Kartarpur corridor and provision of facilities to Sikh pilgrims in Pakistan.
