Pak caretaker PM for expediting Chinese schemes

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has ordered relevant authorities to expedite the implementation of projects undertaken in collaboration with China and to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fertiliser to the farmers during the Rabi season.

In his meeting with Planning Minister Sami Saeed on Tuesday, the PM discussed the implementation of projects agreed upon during his recent visit to China, according to APP.

During the visit, the two countries signed 20 agreements and MoUs in several sectors, including infrastructure and mining.

Separately, while chairing a meeting to review the provision of urea for the Rabi crop, the caretaker PM ordered the officials to arrange fertiliser stock in the country.

PM Kakar also ordered the timely and uninterrupted fertiliser supply to the farmers.

Directives were also issued to relevant ministries for a comprehensive mechanism for the smooth supply of fertilisers and to district administrations for keeping a check on fertiliser prices.

In another meeting with renowned businessman Murtaza Hashwani, Mr Kakar said northern areas, especially from the Khunjerab Pass to Swat, offered huge tourism potential, APP reported.

The region could generate significant revenue if the necessary infrastructure and facilities were improved.

The cooperation from Chinese companies and the Pakistani business community could prove helpful in promoting the tourism sector, said the PM.

Mr Hashwani, the chief executive officer of Pakistan Services Limited, proposed collaboration between the government and the business community in the Special Investment Facilitation Council.

The meeting discussed utilising government buildings at prominent locations through public-private partnerships for generating business activities, as per APP.

The caretaker prime minister has also vowed to resist elements creating propaganda against polio vaccinations and expressed the commitment to make Pakistan a polio-free country.

Addressing a ceremony at the PM Office to mark World Polio Day, Mr Kakar read a verse from the Holy Quran, saying Allah wanted to pull us from the darkness and bring in the light. He added that by opposing the vaccination, some elements were “intentionally or unintentionally partnering with the forces of darkness”.

“I can assure you that we will realise this dream. We will never step back.”

The ceremony was organised by the Pakistan Polio Programme to pay homage to the frontline health workers on World Polio Day, commemorated on October 24. It was attended by the Rotary, World Health Organisation, Unicef, health workers and their families.

Recognising the sacrifices of polio workers and the security personnel guarding them, the caretaker PM called them “heroes of the country”.

“I cannot face mothers who have lost their sons and husbands while performing their duty for the noble cause.”

The frontline health workers face a challenging environment, social barriers and threats to their safety and yet continue their work with dedication.

He thanked the global partners for supporting Pakistan’s polio eradication programme.

The PM recognised the services of three police constables who were martyred while on security duty for polio vaccinators, along with two health workers who got injured in an attack during a vaccination campaign.

He also presented appreciation shields to the former coordinator of the Sindh Emergency Operation Cell, Fayyaz Abbasi and the family of Huma Ashraf, who was severely injured in a train accident while on polio duty in September.—Syed Irfan Raza / with input from. (DAWN)