LAHORE - German Ambassador Alfred Grannas called on Punjab Chief Minister Ch Parvez Elahi at the chief minister’s office on Tuesday.
First Secretary of the German Embassy Mrs Dorota Magdalena Berezicki, Chief Secretary Abdullah Sumbal, former Principal Secretary to CM GM Sikandar and others were also present.Issues of mutual interest, bilateral relations and increasing cooperation in various fields were discussed. It was agreed to increase cooperation in the fields of education, health and water storage. Germany expressed its willingness to provide technical assistance to the Punjab government regarding water storage. The CM informed the German envoy about the flood disaster and the rehabilitation activities and added that Pakistan has been severely affected by climate change effects.
“It is not possible to describe the destruction caused by floods in different parts of Pakistan including southern Punjab districts. This is a daunting challenge that all nations should immediately address by adopting a common plan of action”, he stated. The CM noted that a special package had been formulated to rehabilitate the affectees and asserted that the international community needs to fully support Pakistan in this hour of trial.
“I had started the programme of channelizing the water of hill torrents of Koh-e-Sulaiman in 2002 in my previous tenure; but unfortunately, the succeeding government stopped this beneficial programme. Now, we are again channelizing the water and building small dams”, said Parvez Elahi. He said that dams are necessary for Pakistan to prevent precious water from getting lost in the sea.
He noted that a proper network of dams would have saved Pakistan from such devastations besides storing rainwater for future needs. “We would be saved from this havoc if more dams are constructed”, he said.“Germany is our best partner and Pakistan would like to benefit from its expertise in vocational and technical education, health and water storage. Punjab would take the lead in promoting cooperation with Germany in various fields and technical support for water storage from Germany will be welcomed”, CM further said. Alfred Grannas expressed regret over the loss of lives and property due to rains and floods and expressed the desire to promote cooperation with the Punjab government in various fields. We are desirous of accelerated steps to expand the bilateral cooperation, he added.
CM CHAIRS LDA’S GOVERNING BODY MEETING
The fourth governing body meeting of LDA was held under the chair of Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi at his office. The CM ordered the establishment of hydrants for timely response to fire incidents in the city and said that in case of fire, water supply will be ensured from hydrants established at different places. He directed that no map should be passed without a safety audit of big buildings by Rescue 1122.
He also ordered the inclusion of other cities in the development process including Sheikhupura in LDA limits. In the meeting, more than 1200 applicants’ allotments were approved after clearance of their records in widow and NADRA besides reviewing a proposal to set up a separate marketing department in LDA.
It was decided in principle to collect WASA’s sewerage charges from non-paying housing schemes and it was approved to adjust the LDA allowance to the running pay scale. In compliance with the high court’s order, the constitution of a sub-committee was approved to decide the allotment of the alternative plot to an applicant and it was further decided to set the limit of at least one kanal of land for building apartment buildings. It was decided to amend Clause 30(5) of the Rules, 2020 and the meeting approved in principle the apartments› construction in Finance and Trade Center Johar Town.
The plan for the improvement of Khayaban Amin Johar Town was approved as well. Approval was given in principle for the marketing and business model of Walk and Shop LDA Shopping Arena in Johar Town and the infrastructure improvement project of Mohlanwal Housing Scheme. It was decided to waive the penalty for late submission of past dues due to corona. However, a standard fine would be received on late submission of current dues.
It was also decided to shift the industries to one place in LDA City. The decision to pay Compact Engineering was endorsed. The budget for the financial year 2022-23 was approved and the decisions of the previous meeting were seconded.
Senior Minister and Vice Chairman Mian Aslam Iqbal, Provincial Advisor Aamir Saeed Raan, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Muhammad Khan Bhatti, Former Principal Secretary to Chief Minister GM Sikandar, Vice Chairman WASA Sheikh Imtiaz Mehmood, Members of Punjab assembly Sadia Sohail, Malik Mukhtar Ahmad, Muhammad Atif, Umar Aftab, commissioner Lahore, secretary housing, secretary finance, DG LDA, MD WASA and others attended the meeting.