Big development package for Faisalabad soon

FAISALABAD (April 11 2005): Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool has said that a big development package will be announced for Faisalabad soon for rehabilitation of infrastructure including road repairs, provision of water supply and drainage system, besides other facilities to the masses. Talking to newsmen here on Saturday night after inaugurating the week-long 'Jashan-i-Faisalabad', jointly arranged by Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tehsil Municipal Administration (City) and District Government.

The governor said that special attention was being paid by the government to the city keeping in view its historical value. Traders and philanthropists were also being approached for donating generously for community welfare, he said, adding that the wealthy people should come forward and join hands with the government to improve and beautify the city.

He said that a micro-credit scheme would be launched with the help of local philanthropists to extend interest-free loans to the needy segments of the society.

The Governor also visited various stalls set up at the exhibition. He also cut a celebration cake of 100 lbs, which was jointly prepared by a local journalist Rifat Qadri, Bureau Chief of NNI, and Dr Ashfaq Qamar.

DCO Faisalabad Athar Hussain Sial told the Governor that all events were being sponsored by local traders and industrialists, especially by the members of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Furthermore, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) will hold a seminar on 'Sadi Ka Safar' (From Lyallpur to Faisalabad) in connection with the centenary celebrations of the city here on Monday, April 11. District Co-ordination Officer Athar Hussain will chair the seminar and Bashir Ahmad, Chairman of Sitara Group of Industries, will be chief guest. The speakers will enlighten the audience about the spectacular progress made by Faisalabad in various field of life during the past 100 years.

The Governor said that the government is giving Rs 100 billion loans to farmers during his visit to Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), Jhang. He said that the government has reduced mark-up on agriculture loans and arrests of defaulters have been deferred. Steps will be taken to reduce tractors delivery period and to increase the amount of farm loans, he added.

He also visited the offices of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and said that all areas of the city would be supplied gas. On a complaint, the governor directed the tehsil nazim and DCO to monitor the repair of roads and streets.

Later, addressing an open court at Fesco office, the governor said the government was serving the masses with sincerity. The policy of enlightened moderation pursued by President Musharraf has put the country on the path of progress and prosperity, he said, adding that the regime was committed to solve people's problems. He listened to the public complaints and issued orders for their redressal.

MNA Tahir Shah, MPAs Khalid Sargana, Ghulam Ahmed, Faisal Jabuwana, Omer Hayat, and Saqlain Anwar, District Nazim Sultan Hameed, District Naib Nazim Muhammad Yaqoob, DCO Arif Khan and DPO Hamid Mukhtar were also present.

Earlier, addressing the annual parents' day at the Chenab College, Khalid asked the college administration to fix 25 percent admissions quota for the poor and award scholarships to talented students. He announced Rs 5 million for a swimming pool at the college. He also gave away prizes to students.


Copyright Business Recorder, 2005