LAHORE, Aug 29 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said that the public was not interested in untimely Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM’s) meetings as its unnatural alliance had been withered away.
This coalition had proved to be the most failed alliance in the political history of Pakistan, he said in a statement here on Sunday.
The chief minister said that the people had already rejected the pointless meetings of PDM in the past as well. He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan,
Pakistan was on the road of progress and development but these elements only want to create hurdles in its journey.
He stated that protests were not the way to take countries ahead on the road of progress and development.
No one would be allowed to create a hindrance in the journey of public service, he mentioned.
MULTAN, Aug 29 (APP): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Sunday that PTI government was not worried over unseasonal public meetings of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), however the meetings could cause spreading coronavirus in the country.
He was talking to different delegations from NA 156, here, said a press release issued here.
Qureshi remarked the PDM meetings would lead to the spread of the pandemic.
In the last three years, PDM faced failure only, he said, adding that opposition, now wanted to come up with a new trick to fulfill its desires.
Qureshi posed question where were those who demanded PM Imran Khan’s resignation.
The foreign minister stated that under the vibrant leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the country was on a journey of matchless development which could not be stopped by the noise of the Opposition.
The opposition lacked any agenda for the development of the dear homeland, he added.
Qureshi maintained that the Opposition was pursuing an agenda of chaos and anarchy. On the contrary, Prime Minister Imran Khan owned a full-fledged development program which was being implemented, he added.
“Imran Khan is pursuing a zero tolerance policy in order to eradicate menace of corruption and hold looters accountable”, Qureshi said.
The PTI government would not accept any internal or external pressure in that regard, he added.
“It has become a tradition in the country to loot national treasury, make properties and flee abroad, but this will not happen now”, Qureshi expressed resolve.
He said the prime minister made it clear that every corrupt person would be held accountable.
For the first time in the history of the country, powerful looters, who looted the national wealth, were brought to book, he added.
The foreign minister said the PTI government strongly believed in the process of accountability without discrimination, adding the Accountability Bureau was operating independently and impartially.
Qureshi remarked “It is policy of the government that every person who looted the national treasury whether he is a part of the government or the Opposition will have to face accountability”.
About his recent tour to four different countries,” he said that the meetings with the leadership of different countries provided him an opportunity to know their views on Afghanistan.
The foreign minister maintained that Pakistan was moving forward with the desire for peace in the region.
Peace in Afghanistan was very important, he said, adding the peace in Afghanistan would lead to regional peace.
“Pakistan wants a political settlement in Afghanistan in which all partners are united for durable peace”, Qureshi said, adding that the people of Afghanistan had been facing wars for decades and now, they wanted peace.
He informed that he had discussion with Britain, US and China leaderships regarding peace in Afghanistan.
All the countries praised Pakistan’s conciliatory role in Afghanistan, the foreign minister added.
Qureshi hinted that Pakistan was assisting in process of evacuation of diplomatic staff, international representatives and other foreigners in Kabul.
“The world is expressing confidence in Pakistan and appreciating its responsible role,” he added.
He said “there are some concerns in the current situation in Afghanistan, and we have to be very careful.
Pakistan has not closed the border with Afghanistan. We have taken steps regarding border management and trying not to allow anyone to cross the border without documents”.
Earlier, Shah Mehmood Qureshi spent a busy day in the city. He visited different areas to condole with heirs of the deceased citizens.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 29 (APP): The government has so far acquired 32,073 acres of land for the important Diamer Basha Dam project which is expected to be completed by April, 2029 and would meet the growing water and power needs of the country.
The acquired land is around 90 per cent of the total required 35,924 acres of land for the project.
The official information revealed that total estimated cost of Diamer Basha Dam project is Rs 1406, 122 million which includes PC-I (acquisition of land & resettlement Rs 175,436 million, PC-I (Dam Part Rs. 479,686 million while cost for PC-I (Power Generation Facilities yet to be approved) is Rs 751,000 million.
Similarly, the amount spent by previous governments on the dam is Rs 86,685 million under acquisition of land & resettlement (AL&R) since 2009-10 while present government has spent Rs. 30273 million under AL&R and Rs 51555 million under dam part.
The total amount of Rs 116,158 million has been spent under AL&R and Rs. 51,555 million under dam part.
The information further revealed that Supreme Court of Pakistan is custodian of dam fund. The total amount of the Funds collected for project so far is Rs 12,934,008,868 up to July 15, 2021. Moreover, thanks to present government which is giving priority to completion of mega power projects and had earmarked Rs 15,500 million for Dam Part and Rs 7,000 million for AL&R during fiscal year 2020-21.
As per plan for construction, the Consultants for main works have commenced their services from October last year while Contractor for Main Dam works have been mobilized at site after signing of Contract Agreement with commencement date as August 07, 2020.
As per financing plan, the Acquisition of Land & Resettlement is being financed by government of Pakistan as Rs 106,897 million has been released against PC-I (AL&R) amounting to Rs 175,436 million.
Similarly, financing plan for Dam part includes Rs. 233,686 million under government share, Rs 144,000 million under commercial financing and Rs 100,000 million under WAPDA equity.
The financing plan of power generation facilities includes Rs 76,000 million under WAPDA Equity, Rs. 429,000 million under Commercial Financing and Rs. 246,000 under Integrated Water Flow Model Demand Calculator (IDC) which shall be recovered through tariff.
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