PM Shehbaz visits free wheat distribution points in Lahore, Kasur

To dispel the impression of mismanagement at free flour and wheat distribution centres, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif spent a busy day touring different centres in Lahore and Kasur, where he met people sat in an orderly fashion to seek their feedback.  The pictures and videos officially issued of his visit were a world apart from the ones available on social media and from those being reported by the media. According to the PM Office, the prime minister paid unannounced visits to flour distribution points in Lahore and Kasur, directing authorities to ensure hassle-free and uninterrupted supply of the commodity to the entitled people. A senior officer, who accompanied the premier on his visit, however revealed that all administrative officers had been informed of prime minister’s visit earlier in the day, and the said information was passed on to the official in-charge of these distribution centres to put their best foot forward. At which time the premier would visit, though, was not shared with them, so all centres had made the necessary arrangements prior to his visit. Also read: One killed, eight injured in stampede over free flour in Charsadda The PMO statement further stated that the prime minister, who was accompanied by Advisor Ahad Cheema and Special Assistant to the PM Malik Ahmad Khan, interacted with the people, including children. at the distribution centres. He listened to the problems faced by them and issued instructions for their immediate redressal. The PM also directed relevant authorities to continue the free flour distribution until the 25th of Ramazan as per the program announced by the government. Pictures issued of the premier’s visit showed people neatly sat on seats arranged in queues, happily waiting for their turn.—APP photo The videos and pictures issued of the premier’s visit showed people neatly sat on seats arranged in queues, happily waiting for their turn. Another strangely odd fact was the thin presence of the people at the centres, which was completely on the contrary to what was being showed by electronic media and social media. Footage coming out of these distribution points showed insanely long queues of people standing out in the open, pushing their way towards the distribution point that in past few days had led to several stampedes which reportedly have claimed several lives. The wait-time on these distribution points, according to those who have received free flour, was exhaustingly long.    Read more: Officials told to redress complaints about flour distribution On Thursday, the office of the Chief Minister Punjab also tried to paint a hunky dory picture of these distribution points when, in a press release, it claimed that it only took two minutes for people to get free wheat and flour.  As per the plan, around 15.8 million households of Punjab province would receive wheat flour free of charge during the holy month of Ramazan. It is for the first time in the country’s history that a package for the distribution of free wheat flour has been prepared. The wheat flour distribution would continue till the 25th of Ramazan through 8,500 Utility Stores. Moreover, around 20,000 flour distribution points have also been set up to facilitate the people.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/1czZJB6