MUHAMMAD SALEEM

LAHORE: The Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Friday chaired the third meeting of Special Economic Zone Authority Punjab, which accorded approval to different steps aimed at expediting the industrialization process in the province.

The meeting also approved giving status of a Special Economic Zone to Allama Iqbal Industrial City Faisalabad and the chief minister said that this industrial city would span over four thousand acres of land to create around 250,000 job opportunities.

The meeting also decided to give the status of the special economic zone to an Industrial Estate in Bahawalpur. The CM said that this industrial estate would be established on an area of 483 acres adding that industrialization process would be expedited in southern Punjab as a result. Establishment of a special economic zone over an area of 238 acres was also granted in Mianwali district in the private sector.

The meeting also approved the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Lahore in the private sector and the chief minister said this SEZ would be established on 231 acres while foundation stone of Quaid-e-Azam Apparel Park project will be laid in the mid of next month.

The chief minister said that special economic zones are being established in Punjab and special incentives will be offered to the investors to strengthen the economy and to promote job opportunities. He also directed to dispose of matters relating to the establishment of SEZs without any delay. Industries minister Mian Aslam Iqbal, advisor Dr Salman Shah, MPAs, Chief Secretary, authority members Mian Misbah-ur-Rehman, Tanvir Ashraf Kaira, LCCI President, provincial secretaries, PBIT officials and others attended the meeting.

Moreover, the CM Usman Buzdar chaired a meeting, to review law and order situation in the province. He directed the line officers to continue monitoring steps taken concerning law and order situation. A briefing was also given about the steps taken for the maintenance of peace in the province. Provincial minister Hashim Dogar, IG Police, ACS (Home), Advocate General Punjab and others attended the meeting.

The CM also inaugurated the renovated Jamia Masjid of 8-Club and appreciated the renovated work done to accommodate around 600 faithful to offer namaz.

Special prayers were offered for the departed souls of Tezgam incident along with early recovery of the injured.

Talking on the occasion, Usman Buzdar said that he is happy to see the splendour of this beautiful Masjid and extended congratulations to the staff playing their role in this regard. Auqaf Minister Saeed-ul-Hassan Shah, Amir Dogar MNA and others were present on this occasion.