FAISALABAD: Apart from the mega projects of CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor), power plants and roads etc. the present government is going to launch Prime Minister Development Program to undertake small projects which will have immediate positive impact on the common man, said Divisional Commissioner Momin Agha.
He was addressing the businessmen in Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) here today. He said that small projects would be undertaken in consultation with elected representative. He expressed his will that the business and trade community should also pinpoint the schemes for the uplift of their local community in consultation with their MNA and MPA.
Underlining the importance of Faisalabad, he said that CPEC has further enhanced the economic importance of Faisalabad and we are carrying out comprehensive and well integrated planning for its future development on modern scientific lines.
Quoting his previous visit to FCCI, he said that 70 percent of the problems identified in that meeting have already been solved while work on remaining is in progress. He said it is very encouraging that FCCI was not only focusing on the problems confronted by its members but was also fully participating in civic issues of this city.
He told that clock tower and downtown area has symbolic representation of Faisalabad which has now emerged as metropolitan City of central Punjab. He said that we are taking necessary steps to resolve its issues by constructing parking plazas and removing all illegal encroachments. In this connection, the business community should also contribute its role, he added. He told that a proposal is also under consideration to start a public transport exclusively for the downtown area. It will not only defuse the traffic pressure but also facilitate the masses, he added. He told that government was also planning a modern park in the forest area of Jaranwala which will provide recreational facilities to the youth.
Responding to a question about Jaranwala, he said that a proposal was under consideration to upgrade it into a separate District; however, the views of business community against it would also be considered. About newly constructed plazas, he said that most of them lack basic and fundamental safety measures and civic facilities including parking etc. He said that Director General Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) will be directed to take immediate cognizance of this issue. About FDA City, he said that he had already asked the Director General to present a business plan. It will be properly audited before its submission to the Punjab Government. He further told that a separate directorate for the FDA City has been created which will resolve its chronic issues on top priority basis.
Responding to yet another question, to issue notification to formally declare the five industrial belts as industrial areas, he said that this proposal will be discussed in the light of peri-urban plan, however their recommendations would be given due consideration regarding banning all other activities in these areas.
Commissioner welcomed the establishment of Punjab Food Authority and said that there is no second thought that people should get pure and unadulterated food items and in this connection, he has convened a meeting of newly appointed staff of Punjab Food Authority in his office on Friday. He said that a representative of FCCI could also participate in this meeting to understand its working. He also assured to resolve the issues pertaining to the issuance of arm licenses for the FCCI and other major industrial units. He told that the proposal for the revival of FCCI E-Police Station will also be given due consideration.
Earlier, in his address of welcome Engineer Muhammad Saeed Sheikh President FCCI congratulated Commissioner on maintaining complete peace and harmony during last Moharrum ul Haram. He also appreciated the efforts of the divisional administration for the comprehensive development of Faisalabad and hoped that the ongoing projects will have positive impact on the socio economic life of the common man. He demanded that Jaranwala-Khurrianwal road should be declared proper industrial estate and steps should also be taken for the construction of this road along with cemented drain along this road.
Former President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Mian Muhammad Idrees, Mian Javed Iqbal, Mian Muhammad Latif, Sheikh Nadeem Allahwala, Chaudhary Muhammad Nawaz, Syed Zia Alamdar Hussain and Aslam Bhalli participated in the question answer session while SVP Rana Sikandar Azam offered vote of thanks.
