PTI laid foundation of South Punjab province by introducing secretariat: FM

MULTAN: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government laid foundation of South Punjab province by introducing a secretariat.
Addressing a ceremony, the foreign minister stated that “Waseeb” (local region) would surely achieve its recognition. “Whether we live or not, no one could suppress the voice of the region,” Qureshi remarked.
He also said that PTI believed in strong federation. The establishment of South Punjab province is inevitable for stronger administrative control and delegation of powers at gross-roots level, he added.
Criticising previous rulers, he stated that they could not create South Punjab province or even a secretariat despite having powers. Qureshi said that being the son of the soil, he would continue to serve the region.
He observed that he had convinced Prime Minister Imran Khan for the establishment of South Punjab province.
FM Qureshi said that Pakistan was playing a responsible role for peace in Afghanistan.
He, however, hinted that India was performing the role of spoiler in Afghan peace process. India was using Afghan soil against Pakistan, FM stated, adding that Pakistan had taken up the issue with Afghan Administration.
The foreign minister also maintained that stance of international community about Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) had changed due to efforts of the incumbent government. The British parliamentarians made it clear that IOK was an international dispute, he said. Qureshi hinted that it was success of Pakistan’s diplomatic approach.
Similarly, British parliamentarians’ viewpoint is a source of encouragement for the innocent Kashmiris, and it also exposed the heinous face of India, he added.
About PDM’s protest demonstrations, Qureshi observed that PDM lacked unity. PDM have internal differences over issue of resignations and long march, he said.
He also said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML N) has two different opinions. Similarly, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) had also been divided into two groups, maintained Qureshi. PDM is faced with frustration and it is protesting to dispel disappointment amid its workers, he further said.
Qureshi said that PM Imran categorically stated that he would not give any NRO to looters.
PTI government strongly believes in serving masses, FM Qureshi said, adding that the government was addressing people’s problems on priority basis. About sewerage system for Multan, he observed that Rs2 billion were being spent on improving the city’s system. The process of replacement of sewerage lines has commenced, he added.
Qureshi hinted that water filtration plants were also being installed at union council level with an aim to provide safe drinking water facility to the masses.