Govt to fulfill promise for creation of South Punjab province: FM

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has expressed that the practical realization of the dream of south Punjab province has begun today.

In a video statement, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the practical realization of the dream of south Punjab province has begun today as people of southern areas of the province will not have to travel to Lahore to get their administrative issues addressed.

The foreign minister said that the additional chief secretary (ACS) and the additional inspector general of police (AIG) have been appointed for the south Punjab secretariat.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the two officers will establish their offices in Multan and Bahawalpur to address the problems of people.  He said administrative issues and those related to police will now be resolved in Multan and Bahawalpur, terming the devolution of powers to the grass root levels a crucial step.

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He stressed a need for a Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) award on the pattern of the National Finance Commission (NFC).

The foreign minister said that the PFC will help disburse funds to all districts according to their population, needs, and deprivation. “Like the past, South Punjab’s funds will not be squandered for the purpose other than they are set aside for,” he added.