Day: January 23, 2021

Karachi, January 23, 2021 (PPI-OT): As many as 13 more patients of Coronavirus died overnight lifting the death toll to 3,888 and 635 new cases emerged when 6,041 tests were conducted. This was stated by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in a statement issued here on Saturday. He added that 13 more patients of COVID-19 lost their lives lifting the death toll to 3,888 that constituted 1.6 percent death rate.

Mr Shah said that 6041 samples were tested which detected 635 cases that constituted 10.5 percent current detection rate. He added that so far 2,632,545 tests have been conducted against which 240,570 cases were diagnosed, of them 91 percent or 218,688 patients have recovered, including 825 overnight.

The CM said that currently 17994 patients were under treatment, of them 17,059 were in home isolation, 13 at isolation centers and 922 at different hospitals. He added that the condition of 848 patients was stated to be critical, including 85 shifted to ventilators.

According to the statement, out of 635 new cases, 491 have been detected from Karachi, including 271 from East, 134 South, 33 Central, 22 West, 17 Malir and 14 Korangi. Hyderabad has 104, Shaheed Benazirabad 13, Jamshoro, Ghotki, Larkana, Dadu and Badin 2 each, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Tando Allahyar and Mirpurkhas 1 each. The chief minister urged people of the province to follow SOPs.

For more information, contact:
Press Secretary,
Chief Minister House, Sindh
Tel: +92-21-99202019(Ext: 336)
Website: www.cmsindh.gov.pk

Peshawar, January 23, 2021 (PPI-OT): The Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr. Sanaullah Abbasi visited Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). The IGP was received by high ranking police officers on arrival at CTD headquarters Peshawar. The IGP KP presided over a high level meeting at CTD headquarters in which he was briefed about the revamping of CTD particularly its extension to Newly Merged Districts (NMDs), manpower requirements, vacancies, provision of vehicles and other professional equipment.

The IGP KP was told that Rs 1737.834 million had been proposed for Revamping of CTD throughout the province, out of which Rs 588.150 would be spent for the purchase of security and intelligence equipment in NMDs that included jammer-fitted vehicles, GSM locators, thermal binoculars, Aerial surveillance drones and communication equipment.

The IGP was informed that all possible steps had been taken for strengthening of CTD network and technology-driven policing there added for this purpose equipment worth Rs. 150 million had been purchased which had played pivotal role in promoting latest intelligence based policing and combatting terrorism in the area. The IGP KP was further informed that besides posting of CTD officials in NMDs, 715 new vacancies had been sanctioned for which rules had been framed and sent to government for approval adding that recruitment would be kicked off shortly. The IGP was also informed that a summary had already been sent to Government for purchase of 7 bullet proof vehicles for NMDs.

The IGP KP appreciated the performance of CTD police in flushing out the terrorists elements from the province and directed them to further expedite their efforts against the miscreants. They were also directed to make best use of modern technology for achieving the desired targets against the anti-state elements. The IGP KP vowed that CTD would further be equipped with all modern gadgetries enabling it to make life miserable for unscrupulous elements.

For more information, contact:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police
Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Road, Civil Secretariat Peshawar,
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Tel: +92-91-9210457
Website: http://kppolice.gov.pk

Lahore, January 23, 2021 (PPI-OT): Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad and Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Peer Noor-ul-Haq Qadri called on Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar at CM office today. Matters of mutual interest, law and order situation as well as measures taken for promoting religious harmony, came under discussion during the meeting. The meeting stressed upon taking all possible measures for further improving law and order situation and security arrangements. The meeting also decided to come hard against those who publish and distribute hatred literature and promote religious bigotry. Indiscriminate action will be taken against those who deliver hatred and provoking speeches. The meeting also agreed on effective coordination between Punjab and federation further improving law and order.

The Chief Minister said that all necessary steps will be taken for safeguarding the life and property of the people. The incumbent government will go to the last extent to ensure the rule of law. No one will be allowed to take the law into hands. Strict action will be taken against such elements. The supremacy of law would be ensured in the province at any cost as safeguarding the lives and property of people is the top priority of the government. The motherland demands unity and solidarity from us. Those who promote hatred should look into their pockets. Conspiracy of dividing nation would be foiled.

Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said that interior ministry will provide full support to Punjab government to maintain law and order situation in the province. People have rejected those who give priority their vested interest on national interest. Provincial Minister for Religious Affairs Peer Noor-ul-Haq Qadri said that there is a dire need to promote the sentiments of patience, tolerance and moderation. Pakistan needed unity at this moment than ever before.

For more information, contact:
Office of the Chief Minister of Punjab
Government of the Punjab
8-Club Road, GOR-I, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99205562-3
Fax: +92-42-99205561
Website: https://cm.punjab.gov.pk/

Lahore, January 23, 2021 (PPI-OT): Provincial Minister for Law Raja Basharat called on Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar at CM office today. Matters regarding law and order situation, overall political situation in the province and the measures taken for safeguarding the lives and property of the people came under discussion during the meeting. The Law Minister also informed the Chief Minister about the preparations of local bodies elections. Usman Buzdar directed to take all necessary steps for maintaining law and order situation in the province and said that no stone should be left unturned in this regard. He said that rule of law will be ensured at any cost and violation in this regard will not be tolerated.

He said that new local bodies system will empower the people at grassroots level in real manner and people’s problems will be solved at their doorstep. The new era of development will be started in every urban and rural areas of Punjab. Usman Buzdar said that opposition was remain busy in politics of agitation whereas PTI government was serving the people. PDM has no agenda, people have totally rejected opposition’s politics of chaos and anarchy. These elements have lost their reputation in the public. Prime Minister Imran khan is the only hope for the nation. The incumbent government under the leadership will continue its journey towards progress and development.

Provincial Minister for Law Raja Basharat said that all out measures have been taken for securing the lives and property of the people of the province. Consultation for the local bodies elections is being carried out. The government is introducing such local bodies system which solves the people’s problems at grassroots level. He said the PDM is tried to political point scoring at every important issue. Opposition have totally forgotten the national interest, people by remain indifferent from their public meetings have shown the opposition true face. Raja Basharat also apprised the Chief Minister about the measures taken for maintaining law and order in the province.

For more information, contact:
Office of the Chief Minister of Punjab
Government of the Punjab
8-Club Road, GOR-I, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99205562-3
Fax: +92-42-99205561
Website: https://cm.punjab.gov.pk/

Lahore, January 23, 2021 (PPI-OT): SACM Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, in a statement, has said that vicious tactics have buried the politics of the PDM gang. After blustering resignations and long march, they have now proclaiming of No-Confidence Movement. The fake princess and Maulana are in deep shock over the boastful claim of a Prince about No Confidence Movement. She said that beginning of PDM was devastated and its future has also looking distressed. She said that people are fully aware of the gimmickry of dramatist elements and have already shown their no-confidence in PDM.

Dr Firdous said that no one would get NRO in the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan and accountability of looter and plunderers is a must. She said that the politics of those who spread stinking narrative during the second wave Covid-19 are taking last breath. She said that incumbent government under the leadership of CM Usman Buzdar has taken effective measures to stop the spread of coronavirus. She further maintained that 767 new corona patients have been reported and 14 died during the last 24 hours. Moreover, 18735 tests were conducted in Punjab during the last 24 hours. The death toll in Punjab has reached to 4537, so far. 18735 Covid tests have been conducted in the last 24 hours. Overall 2791548 tests have been conducted in Punjab so far.

For more information, contact:
Office of the Chief Minister of Punjab
Government of the Punjab
8-Club Road, GOR-I, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99205562-3
Fax: +92-42-99205561
Website: https://cm.punjab.gov.pk/

Lahore, January 23, 2021 (PPI-OT):Minister for Railways Azam Khan Swati called on Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar at CM’s Office today. Matters of adopting a joint strategy to retrieve the railways’ owned lands, promotion of tree plantation on railways and projects under public-private partnership came under discussion during the meeting. Secretary Railways and concerned officials were also present on the occasion. Chief Minister Usman Buzdar assured full support on the behalf of Punjab government for this purpose.

The Chief Minister said that a comprehensive plan would be chalked out along with the railways’ authorities for retrieving the railways land. Punjab police will provide full support to the Railways as well as the provincial government will extend all out cooperation for the plantations on the barren land of Pak Railways. He said that Pakistan has started it journey towards of development and prosperity, under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan. The PTI has always promoted the politics of values.

The people have rejected the elements involved in negative politics. The country becomes developed and prosperous through hard-working, serving humanity and honesty rather than staging protests. People of Pakistan only want progress and prosperity. No one will be allowed to create hindrance in the journey of public service. Minister for Railways Azam Khan Swati welcomed the CM’s assurance to cooperate. He said that the government is determined to set the railways on modern lines and work is being carried out on the new business model for turning the railways into a profitable institution.

For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-9201390-86
Website: www.punjab.gov.pk

Lahore, January 23, 2021 (PPI-OT): A consultative session on World Bank Partnership Framework was arranged at Planning and Development Complex where representatives of World Bank, Federal Government, and all the administrative departments of Punjab participated. The objective of the session was to hold discussions on Punjab’s development priorities for the next five years and to gather input of government of Punjab in areas in which the World Bank can provide support.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Additional Chief Secretary (South), Chairman P and D Punjab, Secretary P and D Punjab, Secretaries from various departments including Agriculture, Communication and Works, Primary and Secondary Health, Specialized Health, Industries, Livestock, Education, Environment, Irrigation, Local Government, and Managing Director Power Sector presented the overview of their related departments. World Bank’s Country Head of Pakistan Mr. Najy Benhassine presented the proposed Country Partnership Framework.

Under the framework, World Bank will focus on four areas and improved governance; the 5Gs including girls and boys education, growing health, green and clean Pakistan, growth that is inclusive, and improved governance as an enabler. Joint Chief Economist P and D Board, Dr. Aman Ullah presented Punjab’s economic growth strategies, government’s interventions and economic growth landscape in Punjab. The Chairman P and D Board, Mr. Abdullah Khan Sumbal said that the Punjab is a progressive province where development initiatives are always encouraged. He also appreciated and acknowledged the support of World Bank with Punjab province. Secretary P and D, Mr. Imran Sikandar Baloch said that Punjab Government has always been growth centric and inclined to sectoral working.

For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-9201390-86
Website: www.punjab.gov.pk