PM vows to bring basic facilities for neglected in Sindh

THATTA: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Thursday announced launch of a new phase of development in Sindh and vowed to bring modern basic facilities for its neglected rural areas.

Addressing a large public gathering here the prime minister announced a number of development projects for Thatta, Sajawal and Tando Mohammad Khan aimed at building better road network, healthcare facilities and provision of electricity and natural gas.

He said the federal government would spend Rs 1.1b billion for the development of these areas.

He said though it was the duty of provincial government to provide basic facilities, however it would be his privilege to serve his people, across the country.

The prime minister vowed 'reconstruction' of the province to provide better facilities to the people.

He announced construction of a 500-bed hospital in Thatta, launch of his healthcare card scheme for Thatta, Sajawal and Tando Mohammad Khan, provision of electricity and natural gas for district Sajawal and Thatta.

"I do what I say. I am not one of those who listen to demands and forget. I am here with my entire team, to deliver," the prime minister said.

He said the federal government had already launched its Health Care Card Scheme in Islamabad Capital Territory, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, FATA and Balochistan, however the governments of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said they would launch their own health care schemes.

He, however, announced the scheme for the poor people of Thatta, Sajawal and Tando Mohammad Khan so that they could get free medical treatment.

He, referring to the issue of land erosion by the Sea, announced construction of a protection dam for Thatta, Sajawal and Badin and said it would have long term positive impact for the entire region, adding he had already directed a feasibility study for the project.

The prime minister also directed the National Highway Authority for construction of Gharro-Keti Bandar Road and announced release of Rs 500 million for the project. He said funds for construction of 50 kms of farm to city roads would also be provided by the federal government.

He also announced Rs 200 million each for Thatta and Sajawal and to cater to their road, sanitation and sewerage systems.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony to further improve the arrangements for Hajj 2017 by taking initiatives for ensuring better facilities at the minimum possible cost. 

This was stated by the PM during a detailed briefing given to him regarding arrangements for Hajj 2017 by Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony at PM House, Islamabad.

Sardar Muhammad Yusaf, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said, "In line with the vision of the Prime Minister, there is remarkable improvement in arrangements of Hajj during the last three years." "The applications for Government Hajj Scheme increased from 86,919 in 2013 to 280,617 in 2016," said the Minister. He added that, "The more than 300 percent increase in applications in three years is a testament of public confidence and trust in Government and its handling of hajis." 

While the Prime Minister appreciated the Ministry and its team lead by the Minister for their commendable work and efforts to facilitate hajis, he observed that, "There is always a room for further improvement and that the Ministry should strive to make Hajj arrangements more comfortable, better and cost-effective."

'The visible improvement in facilities provided to Hujjaj in past three years has been acknowledged by all segments of society', added the Prime Minister.

"The annual Hajj agreement for the year 2017 has been signed with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the reduction in Hajj quota in 2013 due to expansion of Haram Sharif has been restored from 143,368 to 179,210," the Prime Minister was briefed.

He was also informed that, "Process of hiring of accommodation, transport, catering and other allied facilities has been initiated. The Saudi Hajj Ministry has also been requested to enhance the country's quota by at least 15,000 on the basis of current population of Pakistan.

The PM further directed that, "Special attention must be given to making arrangements at the airports, provision of three daily meals in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalfa, and general facilitation for Hujjaj in lodging and traveling." 

"The Government will provide all the possible support to the Ministry for facilitating the guests of Allah in performing Hajj comfortably and securely," the PM said. 

"The Ministry of Religious Affairs must discharge its responsibilities with full devotion not only as an official duty but also a religious obligation of the highest order," emphasized the PM.

It was also approved during the meeting that applicants who have performed Hajj during the last seven years will not be eligible to apply for Hajj 2017 under Government Scheme while Hajj-e-Badal will be allowed only through Private Hajj scheme.

The meeting was also attended by Fawad Hassan Fawad, SPM, Khalid Masood Chaudhary, Secretary, Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and other senior officials. - NNI