Aired on: December 31, 2015
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Constituency: PP-268, Bahawalpur-II
Parliamentarian: Qazi Adnan Fareed
Topic: Issues of PP-268, Bahawalpur-II
Moderated by: Mr. Tahir Baloch
Field based research report by: Mr. Naeem Khan
Date: Second Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of December 2015
(Aired on December 31, 2015)
Position: Eighth Constituency Hour Radio Program in Bahawalpur
Outline:
“District Bahawalpur is one of the largest districts in the Punjab, while Tehsil Ahmadpur is the largest constituency in respect of area and population. According to the local residents, faulty sewerage system, menacing traffic, paucity of clean drinking water and irrigation water are the outstanding problems in the constituency. Education and health sectors have witnessed tangible improvements, while roads are also under construction. Youth of the area have demanded employment opportunities and establishment of playing fields. Qazi Adnan Farid assured all the constituents that he will leave no stone unturned to resolve all these issues. He also thanked CRSS and Young Democrats Academy Islamabad for organizing such show for the benefit of his constituents and stressed the need for continuity of the effort.”
Transcription:
Tahir: Dear listeners, I am your host Tahir Baloch with the program called Constituency Hour. It is sponsored by CRSS and Young Democrats Academy Islamabad. We discuss the problems of the Constituency PP-268 and all the steps taken by the government of Punjab to resolve them. It is our 8th and the last program of the series. We have tried to highlight all the major problems in the constituency during the earlier seven programs, where Qazi Adnan Farid Adnan used to be our guest. He is the elected MPA of PP-268. We tried our level best to highlight the problems, and find a solution to them. Some of these problems have been addressed and we pray that the rest should also be resolved very soon. You can also participate in the show by dialing 062888105. To make this show more interactive today, we have invited residents of the constituency who listened to our programs. We will ascertain their feedback. I am thankful to all of them who are present here. We have Muhammad Qasim Qureshi, who is a former Nazim of Ahmadpur City. Qazi Adnan Farid is also on line (telephone) with us and Mr. Qasim will represent him here. We have Syed Imran Ali Shah, who is an educationist in Ahmadpur. We have Ajmal Patodi, who will talk about youth affairs.
We have designed our program in the manner where we will air a report about the issues in PP-268. We will also discuss the problems with our guests in the studio and the steps government is taking about it. Thank you all for being with us. Mr. Qasim, could you please brief us about the progress brought by the present government during the last two and a half years?
Qasim: First of all, I extend my gratitude for your efforts and inviting us here. Two and half years have been very good for Ahmadpur under the leadership of Qazi Adnan Farid. We are happy to announce that, Qazi Adnan Farid did well for our area as compared to other former member of parliament. I do not want to criticize others, but just want to clarify that when Qazi Adnan Farid came to power, problems were grave in Ahmadpur. Now we have resolved many problems. I am his representative in TMA and know well that sewerage issue has been addressed quite successfully.
Tahir: Mr. Imran, could you please tell us about various problems, mainly focusing on education?
Imran: This program has done well for our people and many problems were directly conveyed to the MPA. You know well that education is the key to success for a country. Our MPA is an educated person and knows well how to go ahead. He is also a successful barrister. I may mention Government Girls Degree College in Ahmadpur which has been completed. Our Boys Degree College has been up-graded to Post Graduate level. Our high school has been reconstructed. Almost all the primary schools in Ahmadpur have been provided with missing facilities. Many schools had no boundary walls, but now they have bathrooms and boundary walls as well.
Tahir: We have Ajmal Patodi as well, who may tell us something about the problems of youth and how many of these have been resolved?
Ajmal: Our MPA has resolved some of our issues. Family Park has been set up. Now we wish to have some opportunity for employment.
Tahir: One of the biggest problems in Southern Punjab is the provision of clean drinking water. We have reminded the MPA time and again of this issue. He promised us to resolve this issue. Another major problem here is sewerage system. He has also promised to look into this matter. We will ask our guests today that, how much progress has been made in this direction. Qazi Adnan Farid also told us about various developmental projects. But today our main focus is the public transport for the constituents in Ahmadpur. We have prepared a report about this issue, where Naeem Khan has talked to several local residents. Let us listen to the report.
Field Based research Report: Naeem Khan.
Punjab province comprises of 36 districts. Bahawalpur District is one of the largest districts with a population of more than two and a half million. It has six Tehsils, but there is no public transport. PP 268 has Ahmadpur as its center, with no public transport. Because of this, people are compelled to travel through auto rickshaws. According to the traffic police, there are more than two thousand and five hundred rickshaws in Ahmadpur, causing accidents. Malik Akhtar is a resident of Ahmadpur. While talking to CRSS, he told that it is very dangerous to travel in Chengchi, but what else they can do.
“We are afraid to travel in such condition, because Chengchi (locally manufactured Rickshaws) is a dangerous vehicle. We request that we should have a public transport. Chief Minister should also pay attention to small cities like Ahmadpur. We also need to have some benefits, because we are Pakistani and pay taxes to the government.”
Faisal Ali says that fares are too high and so they are forced to travel through Chengchi,
“Auto rickshaws cost fifty rupees while Chengchi takes only ten rupees. We are poor people and are forced to use these cheap Chengchi. Our leaders do not provide any facility in this respect.”
Kashif Ali is an auto-Rickshaw driver, who says that they earn a living for their family. He alleged that traffic fine is too high,
“We are fined for more than six hundred rupees which is very high for us, because we are poor people.”
Muhammad Hussnain is a traffic inspector here, who said that, the increased use of Chengchi has added to the problems of public and police,
“The number of these vehicles is always on the rise. We fine traffic violation and also check out the necessary documents with the drivers, whether they drive a rickshaw or a bike. Many young people use noisy silencers; we arrest such people as well. But the real menace is Chengchi, which is increasing day by day. A certain mafia is involved in it. Illegal manufacturing mafia is essentially responsible for it.”
He added that if our MPs, law enforcing agencies and public pay proper attention to this matter, then we can get rid of this curse,
“Secretary regional transport authority should take the initiative. On emergency basis, all the law enforcing agencies, like traffic police, regional police, and secretary provincial transport authority should take step to get rid of this menace called Chengchi. We should also reform our rules about this problem. It is a widespread transport network and it should be substituted with a public transport facility. “
If the government introduces public transport in small cities, then residents can also get rid of these problems; can have a safe and easy travel facility.”
Tahir: Welcome back listeners in Constituency Hour. We listened to the report about traffic problems in Ahmadpur. People have complained that billions of rupees are spent to give public transport to the people of Lahore and Islamabad but not to small cities. We also listened to the points raised by a traffic inspector, who cursed Chengchi. Mr. Qasim, you also listened to the report and my question is that, whether your MPA has any plan in the future to address this issue?
Qasim: I am thankful to you for turning our attention to a very important problem. Ahmadpur is the largest Tehsil in the province, where unemployment is so rampant. It is one of the reasons, that too many people are involved in running these Chengchi. Before that we had cycle rickshaws, which were banned by our government. Our MPA is trying very hard to end unemployment in the constituency. Nonetheless, we have to provide some opportunities to employ our people in business or employment.
Tahir: Mr. Imran, many people say that police does not fine young drivers because they are voters of your MPA?
Imran: Your report was quite valuable in the sense, that the complaint was legitimate about metro system in Lahore and Islamabad. Ahmadpur is a large area which generates huge revenue of the country. Qazi Adnan Farid is paying attention to this issue and main road has been widened. Fault also lies with the owner of rickshaws, because they have defective breaks.
Tahir: But government has to stop them as our people are not so good to be careful.
Imran: You are right, but we also have to see that these owners are earning a living for their families.
Tahir: Mr. Ajmal, it has also been said that the young people are mostly driving these Chengchi?
Ajmal: I stress that youth should be provided with employment opportunities. MPA is trying though. If they are employed, then youth will leave this profession. We also need a stadium, where we could play games under flood lights.
Tahir: During the break, we had field coordinator Mr. Adnan Basheer, who has worked hard in the constituency…
Caller: (voice of the caller is inaudible)
Tahir: He says that in Shikari Street, there are many problems, whether you are doing anything for them.
Qasim: I may say that when I was Nazim, my constituency started with Jinnah Colony, I constructed and renovated all the streets under my supervision. Till the last border of Jinnah Colony, I provided gas and electricity along with a good sewerage system. But new colonies have come into existence with a multitude of problems. I tried to resolve many problems.
Caller: I am calling from Ahmadpur, my name is Sabir Hussain…..
Tahir: You are talking about irrigation water for your crops. We will convey your concern. Mr. Qasim, it is also reported that people are faced with many problems in regard to health sector.
Qasim: With the grace of God you can witness yourself that, Tehsil headquarter hospital has so much improved over the years. We have installed dialysis center for kidney patients. Mr. Arif Ghuri is in charge there. Mother care center is working well, with the basic facilities are provided.
Caller: Farman Ali is calling from Dera Nawab. I have been listening to your discussion. This month is the month, when our holy Prophet (SAW) was born. I request the MPA to arrange a birthday celebration program in the city and use of loud speaker should be allowed.
Tahir: He says that ban on the use of load speaker should be lifted during this month. Government has strictly banned the misuse of load speaker.
Qasim: It is a sacred month for all of us, because our holy prophet (SAW) was born during this month. I stress that we all should follow his teaching whole heartedly. But you know well that our country is faced with terrorism and government has banned the use of load speakers, because the Militants can instigate people to join them.
Tahir: Welcome Mr. Qazi Adnan Farid. I think you were busy today and could not join us in the studio. Mr. Qazi Adnan Farid, the major problem that was highlighted today, was about the traffic issue in the city. Do you plan any project for public transport?
Qazi Adnan Farid: I am glad I am on air now. It is the vision of our Chief Minister to provide public transport in each city. But it will be done stage wise. First, it was introduced in Lahore, Islamabad, followed by Rawalpindi and Faisalabad. Multan will come next and so on. Our plan is to construct railway road in our city to avoid frequent accidents. Most of the accidents are reported at the road toward Chacha Wasih. My intention is that, after completing this road, we will widen all the chowks and roundabouts.
Tahir: What about the developmental projects in your constituency?
Qazi Adnan Farid: After the local bodies’ elections, we are about the elect chairman in all the councils. Developmental projects are at a standstill right now, but we will try to speed up after completion of this stage. We will make up for the delay. We have several projects, like water provision in rural areas and cities that are pending.
Tahir: A caller said that wheat production needs water at this stage.
Qazi Adnan Farid: I may say that the whole province is faced with shortage of water but even then we were able to provide water to our cotton crop. Our streams are closed at present for cleanliness and maintenance purpose. Wherever we could arrange, we will provide irrigation water.
Tahir: It was also told by the traffic inspector during the report, that Chengchi is proving a big problem and the main reason is the manufacturing mafia in this field. Have you discussed this matter with the Chief Minister?
Qazi Adnan Farid: It is well said that, necessity is the mother of invention. All our small cities are faced with the problem of public transport and people have resorted to these locally manufactured vehicles. Auto rickshaws are proving costly for the public, while these Chengchi are proving a good substitute. Many people are involved in manufacturing, and it has assumed the shape of a blooming industry. We cannot shut it down at once. We have to gradually replace it according to law. I will try to provide an alternate arrangement in transport.
Tahir: It is a problem of smaller cities, but these vehicles have also been produced in big cities, and you have to take care of that.
Qazi Adnan Farid: There are small workshops in small cities as well. But it has become an industry in big cities.
Tahir: Flood lights in the main stadium in Ahmadpur are also being demanded.
Qazi Adnan Farid: I also intend to do so because our youth need it. I will promote sport activities in my constituency.
Tahir: Some people say that quota in Danish Schools should also be specified for Ahmadpur.
Qazi Adnan Farid: Danish schools have no quota, and anyone can get admission by paying a certain amount of fee. Free education there requires a person, to be poor and deserving. Proper inquiry is conducted and then poor students are enrolled.
Tahir: People also complain that Qazi Adnan Farid could not be seen in the constituency at present?
Qazi Adnan Farid: I had been in my constituency for two months. I could be found at my home, and even if I am not present, your complaints will cordially be received and perused. My officials are always present there.
Tahir: It is also complained that medicines are not available at dialysis center. Basic facilities are not good at the hospitals.
Qazi Adnan Farid: There is always room for improvement, and I will try to meet the requirements of the people.
Tahir: Unemployment is a major problem here. You also told us that a sugar mill is going to be established in the area. What is the status of that project?
Qazi Adnan Farid: It is a good project but we are trying to provide other opportunities as well. We will install some other industries in the area.
Tahir: People also allege that local people may not get employment in that project?
Qazi Adnan Farid: Private organizations always recruits people according to their own requirements, but I am sure that local people will be recruited.
Tahir: Will it be possible to train local people to work in that sugar mill?
Qazi Adnan Farid: We have training center for embroidery and air conditioning. We will arrange training courses according to the needs. We also need technical and mechanical training for this sugar mill.
Tahir: If you wish to convey any message for your constituents’ because it is our last program. What will be your overview about this project?
Qazi Adnan Farid: It was a good experience and feedback from the people was tremendous. We came to know about several problems during the show, and we tried to pursue them as well. I will try to continue this practice to contact my constituents through radio. It was quite valuable and encouraging. It proved to be good source. I am thankful to the radio and the sponsors. They provided a good opportunity to interact with our constituents. We were able to resolve several issues, and if possible, it should be continued with further improvement.
Tahir: What message would you like to convey?
Qazi Adnan Farid: I will advise them to take care of your surroundings and anything out of routine must be reported to the authorities. We ought to control terror acts in our country. Military operation is towards its conclusion and we will be able to eradicate terrorism from our country.
Tahir: Thank you so much for being with us. Dear listeners, Mr. Qazi Adnan Farid is in the assembly session but he was kind enough to talk to us on telephone. Now I would like to ask Qasim that sewerage is a serious issue here and you are also in contact contact with TMA. What is the progress so far?
Qasim: I may explain that sewerage problems have been resolved in Kungan Road, Shekrani chowk, Abbasia Mohalal and Kenchi Mor and our journey will continue to achieve ample progress in the commencing year. We all should pray for our success. I am really grateful to you and your whole team for paying attention to our problems.
Tahir: Mr. Imran, if you could tell us about the improvement in education filed?
Imran: I have told you about certain institutes’ but there are other projects as well. Dera Nawab Gul has a school with no boundary wall, and I request Qazi Adnan Farid to look at this issue. There is Girls high school with no teachers. Pathana School has only one bathroom for the whole primary school. There is no teacher for technical subject in Dera Nawab Government High School.
Tahir: Mr. Ajmal, what are your suggestions for the welfare of youth?
Ajmal: Youth should be provided with employment and flood lights in the stadium.
Tahir: Dear listeners, you listened to this program sponsored by CRSS and Young Democrats Academy Islamabad. New Year is about to commence. I wish that you all should enjoy good health and a lot of happiness in the coming year. It is good bye for now.
Aired on: December 13, 2015
Pictures:
Constituency: PP-268, Bahawalpur-II
Parliamentarian: Qazi Adnan Fareed
Topic: Issues of PP-268, Bahawalpur-II
Moderated by: Mr. Tahir Baloch
Field based research report by: Mr. Naeem Khan
Date: First Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of December 2015
(Aired on December 13, 2015)
Position: Seventh Constituency Hour Radio Program in Bahawalpur
Outline:
“Qazi Adnan Farid is the elected MPA from PP-268 in Southern Punjab. He expressed his happiness over the landslide victory of his political party in the recently held local government elections. He hoped that, the developmental projects will restart after a short pause and the newly elected councilors will extend all out support to them to resolve the problems of the constituency. Some of the local residents were also present in the studio who highlighted the problems of worsening law and order situation along with the faulty sewerage system and paucity of clean drinking water. Several other constituents called live in the show and some others expressed their view point through the drop boxes. Qazi Adnan assured them all that he will work hard to meet their expectations.”
Transcription:
Tahir: My dear listeners, you are listening to this program which is sponsorship by CRSS and Young Democrats Academy Islamabad. Our aim is to bridge the distance between the MPs and constituents, and to see what efforts are being made by the government of Punjab and your MPA. You will learn about the developmental projects, and the complaints received through drop boxes. You can also call us live to report your problems. Our number is 0622888105. Our guest is Qazi Adnan Farid, who is the elected MPA from PP-268. I am really thankful for your presence here.
Qazi Adnan: Thank you indeed for giving me this opportunity to talk to my constituents.
Tahir: First of all I would like you to tell us about the developmental projects, in your constituency at present?
Qazi Adnan: Work is in progress, but we faced a little break due to local government elections. We are back on track and now our new elected councilors will help us a lot in their own capacities. I want to say that we must first deal with the problems identified through drop boxes.
Tahir: First of all we want to extend our congratulation to you and your group for success in the recent elections. What is your advice to these new councilors?
Qazi Adnan: They have great responsibility now to look after the affairs of the constituents at local level. The role of the local government in regard to cleanliness and other issues is very important. Local Ordinance Act has delegated health and education to the local government. It is a revolutionary step, and it is hoped that the local councilors will be able to deal with it efficiently. They also need training to perform their duty well. Training and counseling is important for them.
Tahir: Your constituency is a large one and so are the problems. You have told us that the main road here has encroachment problems. What is the state of that road now?
Qazi Adnan: I have told you that funds have stopped due to local government elections, but once again, I express my gratitude to all those people who extended all out support to us in constructing that road. Metaling would have been done if there was not a break due to these elections. We will try to make up for the delay now.
Tahir: Agriculture workers have some problems. Sugarcane is ready to be crushed and farmers are alleging low rate at mills.
Qazi Adnan: Cane Commissioners are very active in Punjab. If there is any complaint; then it should be reported to these officials. Punjab is doing well as compared to Sindh. However, if there is still any complaint then local administration should be informed about it. Chief Minister has issued strict orders to pay the farmers on time.
Tahir: I would like to talk about the Package for Farmers incorporated in the recent fiscal budget worth billions of rupees. How many farmers have been compensated so far?
Qazi Adnan: All the deserving farmers will be duly paid. Only one center has been opened in Ahmadpur, but we will open two other collection centers for subsidy. I assure all the farmers that everyone will get what he deserves. It may take time but they will be paid. It is the greatest package so far in our history. The credit goes to Nawaz Sharif and his team. All the cotton and rice growers will receive five thousand rupees each in the whole province. Peasants can complain to the local administration or MPs if they find any discrepancy.
Tahir: As long as Farmers are happy and prosperous, Pakistan will be happy and prosperous.
Qazi Adnan: Progress is not possible unless our farmers are well off. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and we earn a lot of exchequer through this sector, especially textile industry. We can make further improvement by making farmers friendly policies.
Tahir: Let us talk about labour as well. According to a survey there are more than thirty brick factories, where thousands of workers work. These people have a lot of problems. Our reporter Naeem Khan has spent some time with these workers. Let us listen to a report about the rights and problems of these workers.
Filed Based Research Report:
Thousands of people are working here to earn some living. It includes people of all ages along with women and children. They receive meager wages. Government has never provided any facility to such people who are ancestral workers in these brick factories. It is their whole world. Muhammad Hameed Rajpoot is such a laborer, who is working at brick factory along with his whole family. He told CRSS that he has been working here for ages,
“We lay almost four thousand bricks per week but receive meager wages. I am sixty years of age and have six children. Government does not give us nay facility or old age benefits. There is a great deal of difference between us and the workers in a factory. We are very poor and receive low daily wages.”
Fayaz Ahmad is a local worker, who works at a peripheral brick factory. He says that money is fair but the job poses many problems,
“We get six hundred rupees per day. We are compelled to take advance because we are poor people. I have been working here since I was seven years old.”
Muhammad Amir is less than twelve years of age and he says,
“I do not know about my salary, but I work with my brother and lay almost twelve thousand bricks per day. I had never been to a school.”
What is the Labour departments and Punjab Government doing for them? We talked to District labour Officer Zubair Hassan Rajpoot about it and he says,
“Punjab government has constructed fifty schools for such people at their vicinity. These are non-formal education schools and children can get education there. We have provided them with national identity cards through NADRA. Although their children did not have birth certificate; we have prepared lists of all such children to register their birth. When ID cards and birth certificates are there; then government will try to provide them facilities.”
What is Labour department doing in this regard? Officer says,
“We have publicized through the newspapers and filed formation about any complaints. They are asked to register their complaints to the district administration. We have a law enacted in 1936, where these workers can register a case according to that law. We can provide them lawyer and legal support in case they sue their owner.”
If these workers are also given facilities like laborers; then these people can also make both ends meet easily. This was Naeem Khan reporting for CRSS from Ahmadpur.
Tahir: Caller: this is Farman Ali calling from Dera Nawab. Our MPA is sitting next you and he has promised me to build a boundary wall around the graveyard.
Qazi Adnan: I remember it, but as you know we were busy in local elections while funds were stopped. Now it is over, and it will be done on priority basis. Please remind me it in January.
Tahir: Let us talk about the labour force at bricks factories. Supreme Court has passed a certain law about them but what is Punjab Government doing about it?
Qazi Adnan: the most important thing is awareness on the part of labour force. They should know about the laws. I cannot solely blame the owner, but laws also need to e implemented and most importantly; all the workers should know about their rights. People take advantage of their ignorance and violate their rights. Legislation is already there but proper mechanism is needed to act upon it. NGOs should also try to give awareness about it. But the factory owners have their own compulsions and we have to consider that as well.
Tahir: Labour officer also told about the legal support for labour force, but awareness is needed.
Caller: Ali is here from Eastern Ahmadpur. I am a student but I found no playground for us there.
Qazi Adnan: Ali has identified an important issue, because our city is lacking grounds. Girls have virtually no place to play. We have converted a park into ladies, and Children Park with veiling facility. It has swings and other facilities. We are also planning some other playfields in the city and in rural areas. My vision is to provide a small stadium in each union council, where local games could be played.
Tahir: A small child in the report told that he had never been to school. It was told that some non formal schools are established in Punjab, but none in Ahmadpur. What is your take on it?
Qazi Adnan: This report was also an eye opener for me. I intend to have some arrangements for these children to have some kind of schooling.
Caller: I ma Kashif from Ahmadpur East. I want to congratulate Qazi Adnan for such landslide victory. I request Qazi Adnan to establish some industry for us, so that we could have some jobs.
Tahir: Qazi Adnan has already told us about the establishment of a mill, and he will do much more. Let us talk about some of the complaints received through drop boxes. Kanwar Naeem writes that. The drug addiction and narcotics are widespread. something should be done against it.
Qazi Adnan: We ran a successful campaign against it with the help of police. We arrested many culprits and we have controlled it considerably. We will bring it to zero level.
Tahir: Private institutes offer meager salaries to our youth. This is reported by Naeem Ahmad from Chacha Village.
Qazi Adnan: The issue is that, there is no opportunity for employment. People are forced to take to private jobs with low salaries. It depends on the private owner to pay them well. It is also a matter of awareness, because it could be reported to the government. I would appeal to all listeners that if they are getting low salaries; then it must be reported to us.
Tahir: It is written that, I work at a hotel and receive meager wages. He is Wahid Bakhsh, who says that some of the hotels show porn movies.
Qazi Adnan: I will notice it because many hotels show such movies.
Tahir: there are hundreds of complaints dropped in the drop boxes. We have conveyed all these letters to Qazi Adnan. We have some local residents in the studio as well. Aslam Qureshi is here with Ikhtiyar Bhatti. I welcome you here. Mr. Aslam, please tell us about the efforts of Qazi Adnan in your constituency, and the major issues that need attention?
Aslam: Our streets have serious problem of sewerage which is almost 70% under control now. Qazi Adnan is working hard to solve it. We face a lot of problems when it rains.
Tahir: Mr. Bhatti, where are you from; then tell us about the problems in that area.
Bhatti: I live in Lahore city, Main Street.We have been facing problems for the last seventy years, but I really appreciate the efforts of Qazi Adnan, who is doing really well.
Tahir: We want to know about the burning issues at present.
Bhatti: Our major problems are sewerage system, roads which are greatly improved, and schools need further attention.
Tahir: it was told that hotels offer low quality items?
Bhatti: It was a serious problem, but now government is taking strict action against hotels and situation has improved. Kitchens were dirty and unhygienic in the past, but now it has improved.
Tahir: In regard to schools it is said that missing facilities is a great problem. What about health facilities?
Bhatti: Many regions have this problem. But improvement is there, due to the efforts of Qazi Adnan.
Tahir: What suggestion and support could you extend to Qazi Adnan in regard to health sector? Situation is bleak indeed here.
Bhatti: All the health installations have a lot of problems, especially at rural areas. We request the government to provide health facilities at rural centers so that these people may not need to approach hospitals in cities.
Tahir: We have a student here as well. His name is Kashif and he belongs to Dera Nawab.
Kashif: Problems are problems irrespective of their nature. Education is available here till middle level but then our students have to go to cities for further education. All the people cannot afford it because we are poor people. Our politicians and leaders ought to educate our people. It is our right. We could go ahead if we are educated. I want a high school in our area so that poor students may also get education.
Tahir: You must focus on the problem in regard to education and what do you want from your MPA?
Kashif: We request him to build a high school for us. We waste a lot of time at present because we have to go to a far off school. We cannot afford transport fares. A local high school will save a lot of time and money for us.
Tahir: Mr. Aslam if you could please tell us about the health of women in this constituency? What is the solution?
Aslam: Emergency department has no doctor on duty in our hospitals. There is only one park for our ladies in the whole city. There is no playfield for either boys or girls. Nothing is there at present and we request our MPA to make sure that our schools and city has playground. It is good for their health.
Tahir: Mr. Bhatti, Ahmadpur rural area is faced with serious law and order situation?
Bhatti: It is a common problem all around. Administration did a lot a couple of years ago, but situation is deteriorating once again ,as daylight robberies are common.
Caller: Clean drinking water is our main problem. Water is contaminated and Qazi Adnan promised to provide clean water in our area.
Tahir: we have discussed this problem frequently. Sothern Punjab has 83% people who are forced to drink polluted water; according to UN report. It is causing several diseases. We were talking about law and order situation.
Bhatti: robberies and snatching have become common in our rural areas. We are requesting the administration to perform their duty well so that people live fearless life.
Tahir: It is said that culture at our police stations is not good. What is the reason?
Bhatti: it is a common problem in the whole country. Justice is not imparted, but sold. Powerful people buy justice while poor people are pushed back.
Tahir: Mr. Kashif, Ahmadpur needs technical college and why?
Kashif: Education is important for all and our religion stresses it the most. Technical education is also essential in Ahmadpur. Our people approach institutes in other parts of the province at present.
Tahir: Dear listeners, today is our seventh program of the series and there is marked decrease in the complaints that we are receiving through the drop boxes. We have discussed several issues today, including the plight of labour in brick factories. It was told that such labour force has access to legal aid and support. We also came to know about a child, who was below twelve years of age and this case is clearly a case of child labour. It is a pity, that there is no school for such children in the area. We have also received live calls and some of the problems were discussed as received through the drop boxes. It was not possible to read out all the complaints, but we have conveyed them all to Qazi Adnan. We also discussed the issue of narcotics in the region. The hall mark of today’s show was the presence of local residents in the studio. A student also told us about the problems faced by them. Mr. Qazi Adnan has assured us that he will try hard to resolve these issues. We pray for an early resolution of all these problems. Water filtration plant was also demanded by a caller. Paucity of playground was also highlighted. These are problems common to the whole region. We request the authorities to provide facilities to Sothern Punjab, like Eastern Punjab and Islamabad. It is good bye for now.
Aired on: November 29, 2015
Pictures:
Constituency: PP-268, Bahawalpur-II
Parliamentarian: Qazi Adnan Fareed
Topic: Issues of PP-268, Bahawalpur-II
Moderated by: Mr. Tahir Baloch
Field based research report by: Ms. Shagufta
Date: Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of November 2015
(Aired on November 30, 2015)
Position: Sixth Constituency Hour Radio Program in Bahawalpur
Outline:
Qazi Adnan Farid is the elected MPA from PP-268 and a staunch follower of his party leadership. Time and again, he has categorically stressed that till 2018, when his party will approach the public in the next election; all the problems in PP-268 will be resolved. The pertinent problem in this constituency is the access to clean drinking water and sewerage system. It is also an agriculture area and most of the people are associated with this sector. He is happy that the new Kisan Package by the federal government will benefit many of his constituents. He has appealed to the constituents to vote for his party men in the coming local government election.
Transcription:
Tahir: Dear Listeners, I am your host Tahir Baloch with the program ‘Constituency Hour’, which is sponsored by CRSS and Young Democrats Academy Islamabad. We talk about the constituency PP-268, all its pertaining problems in this program and the efforts by the Punjab Government. Including this constituency, we will talk about the projects in the offing with our main focus on the third Phase of local bodies’ elections. You know, there are the drop boxes sought to receive the complaints and then to put before Qazi Adnan Farid, who is the elected MPA from PP-268. We will talk about your problems in this show.
Now we have Qazi Adnan who is an elected MPA from PP-268. Please let us know about the developmental work at progress in your constituency.
Qazi Adnan: thank you for inviting me here and to talk about the issues in my constituency. During our last interaction, I told you about the various projects and many of them have been completed. We have removed encroachments in all the bazaars. Most of our main Bazaars have been improved.
Tahir: Now you have two and half years to be in power. Please tell us about the projects that you have envisaged?
Qazi Adnan: We have tried to introduce healthy activities in our constituency. We have focused sports and youth. I am thankful to the chief minister who has granted us sixty million rupees to construct a stadium here. We will complete it soon.
Tahir: Sports is indeed a healthy activity. Last time we talked about our local games, like kabadi. Please let us know about it.
Qazi Adnan: I am happy that you remember it. We are trying to promote local games as well. We have endeavored that children in our rural areas ought to have some playgrounds as they have been playing in fields currently. We have decided to have a proper sports ground in each village, where local games like wrestling and cricket could be played. You will see that within the remaining two and a half year, we will make exemplary playgrounds. We have been teeming talent in our rural areas. I am thankful to Shehbaz Sharif, who has provided us enough irrigation water, which has been waning unemployment with each passing day. Nevertheless, we have to provide opportunity for healthy activities. I wish that when we will approach the masses in 2018, we could present a new shape of Ahmadpur with parks and villages, with enough irrigational and drinking water. We will have fine playfields in all urban and rural areas.
Tahir: Let us talk about the package for farmers, worth 341 billion rupees. Money has been provided, now we would like to know about the situation in Ahmadpur.
Qazi Adnan: I am thankful to Nawaz Sharif, his team for such a good Farmer’s Package. Pakistan is an agricultural country. We need to improve our agro-industry. Busy farmers will make to run our industry. Textile production is our main industry in Pakistan and we ought to improve this sector. It is a historical package. Although we have three centers in Ahmadpur, still there are some hurdles posed by different parties, yet court has permitted us. One center is operational at present, where farmers are paid five thousands rupees per acre.
Tahir: There is a complaint about the hospital. It says, that doctors are not enough the hospital and questioned the summary sent to the government for appointment.
Qazi Adnan: There is paucity of doctors, but we are trying hard to appoint new doctors. New equipment and machinery has arrived. New building has been constructed with the support of local administration. We have announced different packages for the doctors that are going to work in this hospital. Job has been attractive for them. Our local BHUs have also been improved a lot. Doctors have been appointed and we intend to improve it further. It is the goal of Punjab Government to go, as much as proposed in the road map for the whole five years. We have achieved some targets while new targets are set. We have complete system of check and balance to look after all the projects.
Tahir: You know that local bodies’ elections are in the offing. In regard to this election, our reporter Shagufta has prepared a report, where she has talked to some local constituents. Let us listen to this report where people are talking about their expectations.
Filed based Research Report
Third Phase of the local government elections are going to be held in Punjab on 5th December 2015. People from 12 districts in Punjab will elect their councilors in this Phase including district Bahawalpur. There are six tehsils in Bahawalpur and PP-268 includes Ahmadpur. According to Election commission of Pakistan, 488259 people will vote with 267043 males and 221916 females. Every union council will be elected with a chairman and vice chairman, will have six general councilor. In Tehsil Ahmadpur, there are 31 union councils and 45 wards. 971 general councilors have submitted their papers. The coming local government elections are rested with good hopes by the local people and they think that people elected will resolve their problems. In Village Ghareebabad, Muhammad Nazim says that our local problems could be solved best by our local councilors.
“We want that a successful party may end our problems, like unemployment. We want that good candidates ought to be elected. Earlier MPs were also good but still, we have many problems. Our streets and drains along with our local feuds may act as an arbitrator and resolve our problems. We want our streets to be clean. An MPA and MNA are never there to listen to us, but local people from our streets will be able to listen to us. A woman here handles family while a man works in the fields. If our councilor is sensible and honest than he will fight for our rights, but if he is incompetent and coward, then we all are ruined.”
Maqssod Mai says that,
After the election their streets will be made concrete, Cleanliness will be good. Poor people will be helped” We want clean environment with good schools. We have many kinds of diseases and mosquitoes.
Muhammad Ayub, The vendor, has never cast his vote. What is the reason? He says,
“I have never cast my vote because there is nobody to sympathies’ with poor people. Once a candidate gets the vote, he can never be seen and our problems are not solved.’
Some other residents told CRSS about the coming election and say,
“Election is a good thing. We will have our representation and our problems will be solved.”
“We are optimistic about the election and we hope that it will be good for us. It would be the first time that I would cast my vote. I have got my National identity card.”
Third Phase is very near. Election commission of Pakistan says that all the candidates ought to work according to the rules and codes of the commission. If they disobey the rules then strict action will be taken against them. This was Shagufta Malik, reporting for CRSS from Ahmadpur.
Tahir: Welcome back dear listeners after the report by our reporter, where she talked to some local constituents. People are optimistic about these elections. We were also told about such people who have never cast their vote because they did not expect any change.
Qazi Adnan: I appeal to all the young and old people to cast their vote because it can make a difference. If you want change and have your representation, then you have to cast your vote. Please accept no pressure and trust your own judgment. We have seen that ancestral politics have been rejected and people of Ahmadpur have elected able people, according to their credentials. Think individually and only then change will come. People have felt the obvious change. I will request Mr. Ayub to judge the character, vision and honesty of a candidate and then cast their vote. Maqsood Bibi said that local councilors will bring the desired change. I appreciate her thinking and stress that the best people with good social activity history should be elected. I do not want to nominate anyone in particular, but I appeal to elect good workers according to your own experience. Please make sure that the elected councilors will be able to assist and support you. Please look around and look for the people who want o help you and stand by you in all kinds of situation. Elect people who may resolve your local issues.
Tahir: I want to ask that what will be the role and responsibilities of the newly elected councilors.
Qazi Adnan: It’s a good question. A councilor will be responsible for his street and locality. All the responsibilities that can be done by local administration, like health and cleanliness will be dealt by him. Education is also a subject of the local government along with health sector. Local district authorities have been chalked out and Lahore will not control it. All the local transfers and appointments will be made to the local government. These matters were dealt by Lahore but now it has been decentralized to improve the efficiency. All the health installations will be under the sphere of local government. It will improve the situation. Now local people have to elect deserving people, who will be responsible for their progress and prosperity.
Tahir: We may talk about the issues in drop boxes. Gulazar from Dera Nawab writes that please Qazi Adnan let us have clean drinking water.
Qazi Adnan: Mr. Gulzar, I have received your complaint. I may say that with the grace of God by 2018, we will be able to provide water to eve our villages. I may stress upon my friends in Khulan, Sukehl Union Council and the adjacent hamlets that will be included in the first phase and we will supply water to it. I hope that we will start work till December, while the rest of the areas will witness work by June 2016. As Faraz Dera Nawab is concerned, we have already installed a water filtration plant. I will make sure that it is operational. Mr. Dilshad, I have already told that i am working to improve sewerage system there. Mr. Gul Ahmad talked about health center and i assure him to look into this matter. Mr. Jamil has identified some problems about doctors and I will address it as well.
Tahir: Noor Khan and Shakir Khan from Ghaman town in Ahmadpur has said that, the price hike is too much and what should we do about it. Please tell us about all the committees and system to control it?
Qazi Adnan: there are several reasons for it. One is inflation. Price hike has decreased during our government. Foreign investment will come to the country like Chinese investment, which will further decrease the price hike. As far as rates are concerned, market committees are actively involved to control prices. It has fined many people and rates have been established in all the markets. It will be improved further.
Tahir: Mehmood Ahmad says that hospitals should provide medicines along with the other services.
Qazi Adnan: We are trying hard to provide medicine to the indoor patients but hundred percent coverage is not possible. However, we are planning for it.
Tahir: Mr. Khushbakht has alleged that the cleanliness system is not good and TMA officials should be transferred.
Qazi Adnan: Government has the right to transfer any official. We have some meetings with e officials and I have noted his complaint. Dilfaraz has also talked about health sector and I assure him, that soon he will feel improvement. Health Center has also started to function in Dera Nawab.
Tahir: Dear listeners, we have some local residents here in the studio. I want you to introduce yourself and then identify the problem.
Respondent: Ghulam Shabeer Bhutta advocate is my name. We have no road and no drinking water. Qazi Adnan has helped us to have irrigation water though.
Qazi Adnan: He is right, that drinking water is an issue there. Road is also a problem. We have planned to start work on the road and within six month this road will be completed. They will also have clean drinking water within next six month.
Respondent: My name is Syed Mansoor Nawaz Gilani and our problem is drinking water. We have also a muddy road and I request Qazi Adnan to pay attention to it.
Qazi Adnan: He is also right about the problem of drinking water and road. Water below soil is bitter there and we will resolve this issue within next six months. We are trying to provide best roads to all of them, but we lack resources.
Tahir: Please introduce yourself?
Respondent: Lala Qureshi is my name. Our problems are mostly resolved by Qazi Adnan. Drains and streets are well now, but still there are some streets in bad condition. Qazi Adnan has assured us to help us.
Tahir: Listeners, our reporters also collect views from the foiled. Today we have Shagufta Malik and Naeem Khan, who are our reporters that work in the field. We are asking Shagufta about her filed experience in regard to the women in the constituency. How can we improve our program?
Shagufta: We have visited different existing areas with different problems. Unemployment is there. Vote casting, education and freedom of expression are some of the major problems. Even expression on radio is not favoured by many men. Talking about the female problems, we have to make our people aware about the problems of women.
Tahir: you talked about the problem of education for women. How can we improve the situation through radio?
Shagufta: I advise all the women to contact us through the telephone and talk to your MPA.
Tahir: Mr. Naeem, what in your view are the problems of youth?
Naeem: In all the rural and backwards areas, I have realized that unemployment is the major problem. Students get education but still they do have an opportunity to get employment. Basic facilities, like employment are much needed. People are so poor that it is hard to make both ends meet. Roads are not good. Teachers do not go to schools in rural areas and get salary while sitting at home.
Tahir: You mean to say that education department should have check and balance over the teachers. Mr. Naeem, how can we improve our program to help these people any further?
Naeem: Qazi Adnan is here in the studio and all the constituents may call him to brief him about their problems.
Tahir: Dear listeners, we have our reporters with us, who are telling us that the problems are too much but they have suggested basic solution to these problems, to tell about it during the Constituency Hours. We also learned that female problems are also there. There is no freedom of expression and women are restricted to talk about it. Do you have any good message for our listeners?
Qazi Adnan: This program is happening at an important time and I appeal my constituents to cast their vote in blocks. Please keep in view that why you are electing a certain person. People should consider our efficiency for the last two and half year. We have controlled load shedding. We have increased power production. Foreign investment is utilized judiciously and employment opportunities are being provided. Please vote for the deserving and pragmatic candidates who can change the shape of your area. Please vote for lion and we will serve you well through local government.
Tahir: We are short of time. Center for Research and Security as part of Young Democrats Academy program sponsored this program. You have also learned about the projects that are in the pipe line. You also came to know about upcoming local government election. We also talked about the issues, reported to us through the drop boxes. It is good bye for now.
Aired on: September 28, 2015
Pictures:
Constituency: PP-268, Bahawalpur-II
Parliamentarian: Qazi Adnan Fareed
Topic: Issues of PP-268, Bahawalpur-II
Moderated by: Mr. Tahir Baloch
Field based research report by: Mr. Naeem
Date: Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of September 2015
(Aired on September 28, 2015)
Position: Fifth Constituency Hour Radio Program in Bahawalpur
Outline:
Developmental projects in PP-268, creation of Punjab Food Authority and 341 billion rupees bailout package for the formers by the Prime Minster served as the core issues in the program. Qazi Adnan Farid is the elected MPA from PP-268 who dwelt in detail on the aforementioned topics. He was quite happy about the creation of Punjab Food Authority to control food related issues. He also expressed his delight for such a huge relief package for the poor farmers. He made the promise that water problem in his constituency will be resolved within one and a half years.
Transcription:
Tahir: Assalam U Alekum (Peace be with you) dear listeners. I am your host Tahir Baloch with the fifth program of Constituency Hour. We are here to discuss the problems in PP-268 and all the efforts made by the Punjab government to resolve them. We have Qazi Adnan as our guest who is an MPA from PP-268 and vice chairman of Punjab drug control Agency. This program has three parts. In the first part we will listen to a filed report. In the second part, our dear listeners will listen to the discussion about the complaints received through drop boxes. We have started a new segment where we try to impart some information to our listeners. We will give information about Punjab Food Act and the new body formed to run it. Our main focus in today’s program will be the 341 billion rupees package for farmers announced by the prime minister. We will ponder at it in some detail. 0622888105 is the telephone number through which you can call us and convey your concern to Qazi Adnan. I am grateful to Qazi Adnan for sparing some time to talk to our listeners. CRSS and Young Democratic Academy welcome you.
Qazi Adnan: I am thankful indeed for being here and having the opportunity to talk to my constituents. I am ever ready to listen to my constituents and find a way to resolve their problems.
Tahir: It is the basic objective of the show to bridge the gap between you and your constituents. First of all I would like you brief us about the recent developments in your constituency.
Qazi Adnan: The major activity in our constituency is the construction of the main road here. We hope to finish it by June 2016. I am thankful to all the residents of Ahmadpur and all the volunteers who sacrificed their property to widen the road. Public will get the benefit at large. Every resident has to use this road one way or the other and when it will get completed, everyone will get the benefit. This single project will change the shape of our city.
Tahir: Public is always faced with some inconvenience when a new project is initiated. But it is good to learn that public is making happy in general. Rains have been in excess this time and sewerage is already a major problem here. Could you please tell us about any project in this regard?
Qazi Adnan: Luckily we have no issue of dengue virus in Ahmadpur. There are a few scanty cases but it was due to travel to other areas. This new road is causing some inconveniences to local people but I am happy to learn that people are bearing it happily. I assure my constituents that this project will be completed in record time.
Tahir: As I told you at the start that a huge package has been announced by the prime minister for farmers. Rain has affected wheat and cotton crops and now it has been decided that each farmer will be granted five thousand rupees. What is the response of the farmers? What procedure will be followed? Our reporter Naeem Khan has prepared a report where he has talked to some local farmers. Let us listen to it.
Field Based Research Report:
Most of the people are associated with Agriculture. Cotton is the main crop but the recent rains have affected them badly. Prime minister has announced 341 billion worth packages for the farmers. It is announced that all those farmers who have less than 12 acre (one acre is equal to eight kanal) land must be granted five thousand rupees each. Similarly prices of fertilizers have been lowered. Loans for tube wells have also been made easy. What are the views of the farmers about this package? Rab Nawaz is a farmer here who says.
“Poor farmers have nothing to receive and it is just falsehood. All the big farmers and feudal will benefit from it. It would have been much better if rate of cotton has been raised. Water for irrigation should have been increased. Diesel prices should have been lowered. It is an effort to divide the farmers. Farmers with a small piece of land cannot get any benefit from it.”
Arif Kulachi in village Sukhel says that this package cannot make for their loss?
“Prices should have been lowered. This package will divide us further and cannot yield any benefit to us.”
Allah Diways has raised only 1.5 acre land and he hopes to get these five hundred rupees because his loss is great.
“I have faced a great loss and I am not sure whether I will get any help because my land is less than the required price of land.”
Many farmers said while talking to CRSS that,
“Five thousand rupees is certainly not sufficient for us. It cannot help us at all. Look at the prices of things and then consider these five thousand rupees. We cannot even but one bag of fertilizer with that. We need water. Fertilizer, spray and other things to grow our crops and it is to remember that we buy each and everything. All the associated sprays and other things have high prices and it in needed that prices should have been lowered.“
Rana Amjid Ali is Assistant Commissioner in Ahmadpur. When we talked to him about this package, he told us that lists are being prepared of all the farmers,
“Government has announced a package for all the affected farmers and we are in the process of preparing lists. They all will receive cash payment.”
Rana Amjid Ali also said that if any official receives any bribes from these farmers will be dealt severely.
“Anyone who will try to make this package a failure will be punished accordingly.”
The fact is that this amount is certainly not sufficient if we consider the loss and damage faced by these poor cotton growers.
Tahir: Dear listeners, welcome back after the report. Rana Amjid Ali also warned all the miscreants to mend their ways to make this project a success. Mr. Qazi Adnan, some farmers have expressed their reservations about this package. What is your take on it?
Qazi Adnan: Reservations are always there when a new project is initiated. But look at the past track record when a natural calamity had hit the region. Our Chief Minister and Prime minister has always approached the people. They have extended support and helped all the affected people. It is not only a lips service. During the floods all the affected people were given support. Pakistan is an agricultural country and without investing in this sector, we cannot make progress. Our leaders are well aware of all the problems of our people. I want to explain this package in some detail. According to this package 341 billion rupees will be released for all those farmers who cultivate a small portion of land. Almost 150 billion rupees will be imbursed among the farmers who grow wheat or cotton. It is to remember that it will be distributed among all those farmers who have a piece of land less than 12 acre.
Tahir: Could you please tell us when will this distribution start?
Qazi Adnan: Survey is about to be finalized. Omissions and commissions will be removed soon. If any land revenue official demand any bribe from the farmers during this process, he must be reported to the government. They will be punished accordingly.
Caller: I am Mr. Bhatti from Dera Nawab. When will water plant be inaugurated in our area. We are worried about it.
Qazi Adnan: I have made efforts in this direction. It is my plan that within one a half year, all the water projects will be completed. I have started the process in two union councils. One is Sukhel Union Council and the other is Kula Union Council which are almost completed. It will start working in December. I want to convey the good news that these two union councils will get their own water purification plant in December. While the rest of the union councils will get it within next year according to international standard.
Tahir: We were talking about the special package by the prime minister. It is also announced that interest free loan will be provided for solar tube wells.
Qazi Adnan: Solar tube well is a good idea. It will cost at the start but then there are no maintenance costs. It is a good substitute source of energy and these tube wells provide water as long as light is there. Farmers can also get fertilizers and other essentials through an easy process with sufficient loans. It was also mentioned in the report that farmers are worried about fertilizers. Our prime minister has talked to the local producers about this issue. The prices of Potassium and Nitrate fertilizers have been lowered by five hundred rupees per bag. This package has sanctioned 20 billion rupees in this regard.
Tahir: Farmers have complained that prices of cotton are not increased.
Caller: This is Imran from Dera Nawab. I want to congratulate Qazi Adnan on his wedding. We have a small problem in Basic Health Unit (BHU) Dera Nawab. There are some servant quarters behind that health center but no electricity or gas connection is available.
Qazi Adnan: Thank you for identifying this important problem. I will make sure that all the connections are available there.
Tahir: it is also comprehended that this package is only to befool people before the local bodies’ elections?
Qazi Adnan: It is only a co-incident. All those who do not support our efforts come up with such notions. It was in the offing for some time and timing is just a co-incident. Public is well aware that our government is in the habit of announcing such packages.
Caller: This is Zahid. I want to say that such packages should be announced for electricity bills and other problems faced by our poor famers.
Qazi Adnan: You are right but as I told you agriculture is the main source of income for our people. You must have also realized that we have up-graded the whole system to provide electricity to our masses. Electricity is also indispensable for agriculture. When we will win the election in 2018, then we would have eradicated this menace of load shedding. It will be close to zero then. Several power projects are underway in Punjab.
Tahir: Let us come to the complaints through the drop boxes. One person had reported from Basti Mahr Shoukatabad that cattle are kept in BHU and there is no health facility.
Qazi Adnan: We have focused on all the BHUs and 1122 is there to listen to the complaints related to health. We are improving our whole health sector. Almost 70% BHUs have regular doctors now.
Tahir: Khadem Hussain from Dera Pathana has mentioned the razed boundary walls in the local graveyard?
Qazi Adnan: There is a great deal of difference between a promise and intention. I have not promised to build the boundary wall but I intent to. There are four graveyards in Dera Nawaba and I intend to build all of them.
Tahir: Imran Lashari from Dera Nawab says that stagnant water is the breeding ground for the mosquitoes. He requests to clean the area.
Qazi Adnan: This is a valid demand and I have intention to launch a sewerage project in that area. I am already on it.
Tahir: Most of the problems resemble each other. Choudhry Yousaf has lamented the fact that cleanliness scenario is not good in the city.
Qazi Adnan: We have divided the city in different zones to have a good cleanliness plan but it is not yielding any benefit. We will bring further changes in the plan.
Tahir: We have started a new segment and we want our listeners to know about Punjab Food Authority. I request you to tell us about all the penalties that violate rules?
Qazi Adnan: I want to stress upon all those who are dealing in food stuff that Punjab government has new legislation about the quality of food items. Any one found guilty of violating the food standard may be imprisoned for six months. Our health is directly affected by contaminated and below standard food items.
Caller: This is Muhammad Ashiq and I am a teacher. I am calling from Teba Izat. We have water problem here.
Qazi Adnan: We have worked in your area. We have mended some roads there and walls have been constructed around the cemetery. We will also provide clean drinking water to your union council within one year.
Caller: This is Mansoor Haider from Dera Nawab. I request through this program that in our locality food is below quality in all the restaurants and hotels. I want to state that Qazi Adnan has done well in cities but standard is not maintained in the rural areas. We are compelled to eat contaminated food stuff.
Qazi Adnan: Dera Nawab is in our focus and I will instruct the inspection teams to look at this matter. I want to stress that guilty person must be imprisoned with heavy fine. Unfortunately some people try to sell flesh of the dead animals. Such culprits will be imprisoned for eight years and half a million rupees fine. Those who slaughter animals in their infancy will also be punished. I appeal all the people to reform themselves to improve our system.
Caller: Water is scarce here and we need a water plant badly.
Qazi Adnan: You will see soon that every region will have plenty of water. No union council will remain without clean drinking water.
Tahir: You said that people should mend their ways without any vigorous punishment?
Qazi Adnan: Everyone should realize that low standard food items and dirty dishes are like playing havoc with the lives of human beings. Otherwise they have to face the consequences.
Caller: This is a good program and we understand you well.
Tahir: Mr. Qazi Adnan it means your voice is being heard far and wide.
Qazi Adnan: I am really thankful to all of them. We have imparted information about the Punjab Food Authority and Relief Package for the farmers by our prime minister.
Tahir: What message would you like to convey towards the end?
Qazi Adnan: I would like to convey the message to take good care of yourself and your surroundings. If you find anything suspicious then please report it to the police or MP. Local government elections are about to happen and I stress that please elect honest and good people as your representatives. It is matter of your future.
Tahir: Thank you so much for being with us. Dear listeners, we had good thorough discussion about new projects and your problems. It is good bye for now.
Aired on: August 23, 2015
Pictures:
Constituency: PP-268, Bahawalpur-II
Parliamentarian: Qazi Adnan Fareed
Topic: Issues of PP-268, Bahawalpur-II
Moderated by: Mr. Tahir Baloch
Field based research report by: Mr. Naeem
Date: Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of August 2015
(Aired on August 23, 2015)
Position: Fourth Constituency Hour Radio Program in Bahawalpur
Outline:
“Program Constituency Hour is bearing fruit for the local residents of PP-268 where people now feel free to speak their hearts out to their elected MPA Mr. Qazi Adnan Farid. It was good to see many people giving their feedback through; live calls during the show and complaints in the drop boxes. Mr. Qazi Adnan expressed his vision about his constituency when he says, “We have devised a three phased plan for the city. The first component is road which is almost complete. Another component is about sewerage system that is also completed to a great extent while the third component is about water supply. We need a huge grant for the third component. We are making serious efforts for it and I am hopeful that water supply scheme will start soon”. But now as vice chairman of spurious drugs control committee, he also has to deal with fake sprays and insecticides in his constituency which is a common problem there”.
Transcription:
Tahir: Dear listeners, I am your host Tahir Baloch with the fourth program of the series called Constituency Hour. It is an endeavour by CRSS Islamabad as part of Young Democrats Academy Program. This is an attempt to bring your member of parliament face to face with the constituents. Problems are discussed with the aim to find a solution. We are in PP-268 Ahmadpur where Qazi Adnan Farid is the elected MPA. He also leads a drug control special task force as Vice Chairman in South Punjab by the Punjab Government. Today we have divided the program into three segments. First we will talk about the developmental work in the constituency along with the field report. In the second part of the show, we will discuss the problems reported through drop boxes. Today we have included a new segment about agriculture in the constituency.
Dear listeners, you can also call us on 0622888105. Thank you very much Mr. Qazi Adnan for being here to talk to your constituents. Could you brief us about the recent activities in Ahmadpur by the Punjab Government?
Qazi Adnan: Thank you very much. I am happy to be here and answer the questions and queries put forward by my constituents. This show is also a good source of information.
Tahir: Our aim is to bridge the gap between MP and constituents in order to find a solution to their problems. I would like to know about the schemes and projects under process in PP-268.
Qazi Adnan: I have also told you during the last show that one of the age old problems was the main road of the city. Work is going fast on that road now. I am thankful to all the residents of Ahmadpur who have extended all out support to us. They have parted with their property voluntarily when the road was expanded. I am hopeful that it will be completed within six months although time period is one year. Our Chief Minister has a vision that all the developmental work will be checked by a third party who will submit its report. Random checks are frequent and we are making rapid progress. Rural roads program by the Chief Minister is a gigantic project and it is a historical one because no one else has done it before. It will bring a revolution in the whole province. Several highways will be constructed during this project. Roads are expanded to twelve feet along with proper shoulders. We will further expand it to sixteen feet carpet roads. Farmers will benefit from these roads because they will have easy and speedy access to all the markets in the locality. All the tractors and trolleys will easily cross each other and there will be no traffic stoppage. Communication is a key to development and all the developed countries have done it in the past. China has also done so. We are adopting the same procedure in Punjab.
Tahir: Let us pray that your dream of a happy Pakistan comes true. The biggest problem with our farmers is the availability of fertilizers, insecticides and seeds. Please make sure that they get them in time. Our representative Naeem Khan has talked to some local farmers about these problems in the report.
Filed Based Research report:
Spray is essential for our crops but the biggest problem is to find a genuine spray in the market. Like the rest of places in the Punjab, it is the main problem in Ahmadpur. Markets are flooded with fake medicines. Muhammad Ghazi is a local resident who said that fertilizer is so expensive while sprays are spurious. It is destroying our crops, “Fertilizers cost us dearly and the local dealers earn almost four hundred rupees from us in a single sack. Insecticides are spurious and cannot meet our purpose. A spray for our crops that cost fifteen hundred rupees in other places cost us two thousand rupees here”.
Bilal Haider Kolachi and Baqer Kolachi are also local residents who say that cotton crop is not so well and the reason is, “We pay high prices for spray and fertilizers but spray is not good at all. It is hard to find a genuine spray for our crops,” “Irrigation water is also bought by us. We are waiting for rains. Tube well is not successful as well. We have a canal owned by a private person who just irrigates his own fields.
Iftikhar Lashari is the deputy director agriculture in Ahmadpur. When we asked him about the recent rains, he said that it has affected cotton crop badly this year, “Where there are canals, crops are damaged during floods but we have good crop in that area where soil is fine. Almost five thousand acre crop is affected but the rest is good this year. We will have good production this year.”
Deputy district officer rejected the notion that spray and fertilizers are not up to the standard, “We have plenty of fertilizers in the market and it is wrong to allege that it is sold at a high price. We are fully determined to control the price according to the instruction by the Punjab government. We are ready to serve our famers any time. Sprays are checked in the whole market. We have provided samples in the market. Nobody has submitted any complaint about it.”
Deputy district officer agriculture Iftikhar Lashari says that if farmers have any complaint against fake sprays and fertilizers, then they can contact him, “My telephone is always open and my office doors are ready to welcome anyone who seeks our help. Other officials are also ready to assist our farmers. We act instantly when a complaint is brought to us.”
But famers say that cotton is our largest crop and if government could give us any subsidy in this regard, then their condition will also ameliorate.
Tahir: Welcome back in the show. You listened to the views of farmers who complained about the prices and quality of sprays and fertilizers. We will ask Qazi Adnan that he is very active about drugs for human but what is he doing about medicines for crops. We will also talk about the crackdown about unhealthy food stuff in the whole province. We also plan to discuss reports that we have received through drop boxes. I may ask Mr. Qazi Adnan that as he has been very active about drug control, but what are his efforts about fake medicines for the crops?
Qazi Adnan: This illegal business is not only confined to drug stores but all the factory owners, drug dealers, hospitals and many more people are involved in it. We are running an effective campaign against it. Our prime objective is to save our people from the bad effects and unnecessary expenditure. Our Chief Minster is also focusing on agriculture inputs. He is going to create a task force about agriculture products. He ran an effective campaign in 1997 when distribution was brought under strict rules and regulation. Soon you will learn about the new task force.
Tahir: It is also essential that prices are under control.
Qazi Adnan: Our government is well aware of the fact that unless we make progress in agriculture, Pakistan cannot make progress. Government can perform according to its resources. Government can act in calamities and extraordinary situations by bringing in a third party. We can provide a balance in the market. Government can also offer subsidy. We took such steps from time to time. Chief Minister is ready to resolve all the issues of farmers. Our farmers asked for concession in power bills some days ago. The government gave them the facility to pay their outstanding bills in installments. We also granted flat bills to our farmers. Farmers are a part of us and we have to develop them to make our country a progressive. Last year we allocated fifty billion rupees for irrigation in the province. It testifies to the fact that we are serious about this issue.
Caller: I am Imran from Dera Nawab. We have a girl’s primary school which has no boundary wall. There is another school for boys with the same problem.
Qazi Adnan: Thank you Mr. Imran for pointing out such an important issue. You might have observed that for the last one and a half year, our main focus had been to make available all the missing facilities in the schools. We have accomplished our target by almost 90%. We will achieve 100% by the end of this year. This school will be provided with this missing facility. I am thankful to the chief minister for making our barren lands blooming with cotton fields. It will trigger all out progress in the Sukhel area.
Tahir: I have observed it myself that Sukhel is ever more fertile region now. Government of Punjab has taken a praise-worthy step to crackdown on unhealthy food stuff. What is the situation in Ahmadpur?
Qazi Adnan: Food authority has been created in Punjab which has the primary responsibility to check out all the hotels, bakeries and food stalls if these are according to international standard. Unhygienic food is the main cause of illness. This authority has raided all the important hotels in the Punjab and all the culprits are heavily fined. Some of the five star hotels are closed down. Strict compliance with international standards are required. We have such committees at divisional level. I am also a member of this committee. I appeal through your program to all the hotels and restaurants to follow standards of health and hygiene. It is our right to have a thorough check over such hotels that do not follow our rules.
Tahir: Has there been a crackdown in Ahmadpur as well?
Qazi Adnan: Yes indeed, we have fined many hotels and warned others. We do not want to shut down hotels but all we want is to ensure hygienic food.
Tahir: Dear listeners, there are many departments in the country that work to make our people aware. One such department is from Agriculture sector which analyzes water and soil for the farmers. It does not cost any charges and provide information free of cost. Its method is that every farmer has to bring a small portion of water and soil from his field. He has to take this material to the laboratory and submit it along with a photo copy of his identity card. Its results will show the farmers what is the composition of his soil and what ingredients are required for good production.
Qazi Adnan: I appeal to all the farmers that agriculture has become quite scientific. Our farmers need to know about the exact ingredients and fertilizers for their particular piece of soil. I request all the farmers to get their soil analyzed through this facility. They ought to know about the most beneficial fertilizer for their soil. In some cases, a fertilizer may harm their crop instead of yielding any benefit. Sometime they may not need an expensive fertilizer but a cheap one may be quite beneficial. Our farmers should act upon the advice of this department.
Tahir: Breast feeding is a major issue as discussed through drop boxes. Could you please express yourself in this regard?
Qazi Adnan: Infants need mother milk through breast feeding. According to research all over the world, it is essential for children at the early age. Almost nine hundred thousand infants die within one year of their birth. The main reason for this tragedy is lack of breast feeding. Sudden death is greatly reduced among those infant who have breast feeding.
Tahir: We have included a health segment in our program.
Caller: I am Zubair. I want to talk about electricity. We have the worst kind of load shedding without any schedule. We face power failures for long hours.
Qazi Adnan: Where is all this happening?
Zubair: I am talking from Ahmadpur city in street Feroz shah.
Qazi Adnan: I will inquire about it.
Zubair: Roads are being made and people are happy about all the developmental projects in the city.
Tahir: He has identified a major problem.
Qazi Adnan: I have note down your complaint and I will inquire about it. Unscheduled load shedding is not allowed by the Government. You all might have observed that load shedding has been reduced. There is only scheduled load shedding now.
Caller: My name is Qaisar Abbas. I request Qazi Adnan to take notice of cleanliness in satellite Town.
Qazi Adnan: I have also felt that some areas are in need of cleanliness. We had a meeting with DCO (District Coordination Officer) recently. We have chalked out a certain plan for it.
Tahir: We also have to discuss social security but we are short of time and let us resort to complaints from the drop boxes. It is reported that there is no higher level institute in Ahmadpur for girls and many girls cannot continue their study after graduation. Muhammad Imran has called to report it.
Qazi Adnan: It is a genuine concern but you are late to express it. I have already up-graded the girl’s college but the problem is that there is no room for further expansion in that degree college. I am making efforts to get some land for this purpose. As soon as we grab the land, we will start construction over it.
Caller: I am Gule Nayab from Bahawalpur and reside in Model Town Street 13. Our street is faced with the problem of bad road where water keep standing when it rains.
Tahir: I want to remind you that we are talking about PP-268. Anyway Qazi Adnan will try to help you.
Qazi Adnan: I have noted down your address and I will try to contact your concerned MPA to resolve this issue.
Caller: This is Asif from Maqbool Colony. We have the problem of bad sewerage line. When it rains, filthy water enters our homes. We have helped ourselves to construct a drain but no person from the government has ever helped us.
Qazi Adnan: I will look into this matter and he ought to contact me after one week.
Tahir: Naeem Qureshi has reported through the drop box that people have encroached upon the Kangan Road. Gutter line is also bad while teachers are not qualified in Dawn Public School.
Qazi Adnan: I will see if people have violated rules to encroach the road. I will send the concerned official. That school must be a private school but I will check that school as well. Gutter line will be improved within due time.
Tahir: Mr. Riaz has reported that they are five brothers but none of them is unable to get a national identity card.
Qazi Adnan: I will advise Mr. Riaz to come to my office along with the documents and I will look into this matter.
Tahir: Syed Imran Shah has also complained that BHU (Basic health Unit) at Dera Nawab should be provided with staff.
Qazi Adnan: I have made efforts about it in the past and now I will look into this matter once again. I am going to construct a sixteen kilometer road in Sukhel area.
Tahir: I have a pile of papers in front of me from the drop box but I have selected quite a few to discuss here. One complaint is about Dera Nawab High School. It says that there is an electrical lab but no teacher is available to teach that subject.
Qazi Adnan: It is a valid request and I will inquire that if laboratory is there then we have to arrange a concerned teacher.
Tahir: Dear listeners, till now we had no such program in Bahawalpur where your MPA is ready to listen to your complaints. It is bearing fruit and problems are decreasing in the region. We want to create a friendly environment where you feel free to speak out your heart. Mr. Qazi Adnan, Ahmadpur is a historical city but no attention was paid to roads here. What is your vision for the city?
Qazi Adnan: We have devised a three phased plan for the city. The first component is road which is almost complete. Another component is about sewerage system that is also completed to a great extent while the third component is about water supply. We need a huge grant for the third component. We are making serious efforts for it and I am hopeful that water supply scheme will start soon.
Caller: I am calling from Salahud Din Colony Street Kareemabad in Ahmadpur. Gutter line is the main problem here especially when it rains.
Qazi Adnan: I will convey his concern to the concerned authorities but first he has to approach me in my office.
Tahir: I want to talk about the recent terrorist act where our interior minister was killed. What new steps have been taken to curb such incidents in the future?
Qazi Adnan: Colonel was an excellent man and he worked hard to eradicate terrorism from our country. We are firmly resolved to stand against this menace. We are following our national plan with zero tolerance at any place.
Tahir: If you could please convey a short message to your constituents.
Qazi Adnan: We are faced with the menace of terrorism and I want to advise my countrymen to be conscious about their surroundings. Any unusual activity should be instantly reported to the authorities. We need cooperation from the civil society. We have a bright future but first we have to eradicate this menace.
Tahir: Thank you very much for being with us. It is good bye for now.
Aired on: July 22, 2015
Pictures:
Constituency: PP-268, Bahawalpur-II Province: Punjab
Parliamentarian: Qazi Adnan Fareed Radio Station: Radio Awaz,FM-105,Bahawalpur
Topic: Issues of PP-268, Bahawalpur-II
Moderated by: Mr. Tahir Baloch
Field based research report by: Ms. Shagufta Malik
Date: Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of July 2015
(Aired on July 22, 2015)
Position: Third Constituency Hour Radio Program in Bahawalpur
Outline:
“Listeners had several good news to hear during the show because the elected Member of Provincial Assembly from PP-268; Qazi Adnan Farid, shared his efforts and new projects for the uplift of his constituency. It was also good to know that some of the issues pointed out during the last show had been dully addressed by him. However, the pertinent problem in the constituency has remained to be the sewerage system and provision of clean drinking water. Ahmadpur is famous for its ancient pottery craft and many local craftsmen requested for sufficient amount of money for their skill. Health sector has been improved and developmental projects are underway.”
Transcription:
Tahir: Dear listeners, I am your host Tahir Baloch with the program called Constituency hour. It is an endeavour by CRSS Islamabad as part of Young Democrats Academy Program. This effort brings your member of parliament face to face with the constituents. Problems are discussed with the aim to find a solution. We are in PP-268 where Qazi Adnan Farid is the elected MPA. He also leads a drug control special task force by the Punjab Government. Our telephone number is 622888105 where you can also contact us. It is suggested that you should come up with your pertinent problems. I welcome Adnan and extend my gratitude for being with us.
Qazi Adnan: I am really thankful for giving me this opportunity to interact with my constituents.
Tahir: Dear listeners, five drop boxes of green colours have been installed in the constituency at various places where you can register your complaints. Mr. Qazi Adnan, could you please brief us at the start about the developmental works and projects that are underway in your constituency?
Qazi Adnan: Thank you for the opportunity to talk to my constituents. As far as developmental work is concerned, I may tell you that several projects have been initiated. For instance, water is a major issue in our rural areas and now we have been able to contain that problem to a great extent. It will benefit the whole Tehsil.
Tahir: It is good to hear that canal system has been developed in an agricultural area like yours.
Qazi Adnan: Majority of our population is directly associated with agriculture. There are many more that are indirectly connected with this sector. When our farmers will be happy, then the region will make progress. There will be nobody affected by the curse of unemployment. Provision of irrigation water has been my priority.
Tahir: You mentioned about the daily wagers and labour force. These people have no regular employment with any fixed salary. Have you thought about any facilitation for them like old age benefit etc?
Qazi Adnan: We have announced that no person will be paid less than 12 thousand rupees. All the investors and factory owners are made bound to contribute a tangible amount to be used for the benefit of labour force. Workers are to be treated freely out of this fund in case of injuries and wedding. It is a kind of social security. All the workers have to get a proper registration card from their employer.
Tahir: Dear listeners, social security can be availed by getting a registration card. Mr. Qazi Adnan, let us talk about water issue again. River Indus is in flood these days. What is the government doing to take precautionary measures?
Qazi Adnan: Flood is a natural calamity in Punjab. The present government has done praise-worthy job in this regard. I am thankful to Pakistan Army and our police force that have stood by us in time of trouble. I am happy to announce that no person or animal has met any tragedy. We have successfully evacuated all people in time of danger. We have successfully rehabilitated all such people. Administration is fully alert in all those areas where flood can be a problem.
Tahir: People in Muzafar Garh, Rajanpur, Lahiya and other places are facing the issue of rehabilitation and it is done readily. Why in your constituency this process of rehabilitation is so slow?
Qazi Adnan: This is a misconception and I may negate it. All those people that have been registered with us have received compensation for all the losses. We have listened to all the complaints and a subsequent survey was taken. We undertook a third party validation to provide the rightful people all that they deserve. We have paid according to the government policy. However, this is a natural calamity and everything cannot be fully assessed. But the fact is that government has not left people alone in time of this disaster.
Tahir: Last month you talked about health issues in great length. 12 children died in Victoria hospital a few days back due to paucity of oxygen. What other steps have you taken for your Tehsil headquarter hospital in Ahmadpur?
Qazi Adnan: I am thankful to the district administration for helping me in this respect. We have assured all the people that all the issues will be properly addressed.
Caller: My name is Mr. Butta. Water is a major problem with us and I want to say that no developmental work has been done in our area.
Qazi Adnan: He is right that there are many problems. I have proposed a scheme for road in their area. I request my listeners to identify problems and report them to me.
Tahir: Mr. Butta, you listened to Mr. Qazi Adnan who wants you to identify your main problems.
Qazi Adnan: I think your telephone line is having some fault.
Tahir: I think so. In Tehsil Ahmadpur, domestic industry is a famous industry. Our reporter Shagufta Malik has prepared a report about this sector. Let us listen to the report.
Field based research report:
Embroidery and hand sewing is an ancient craft in this region. Most of the embroidery work is done at home by women. This skill has great demand across the country. Local dealers take their products to Lahore and other major cities and abroad. Local women allege that they are paid too less for their skill. Zahida Bibi is such a skilled woman who says that many women are dealing in this skill but all of them are paid a meager amount of money. She says,
“We are paid a meager amount. When we prepare a cloth we are paid only seventy or eighty rupees while it also costs us. This article is sold at more than four hundred rupees in the market. Work at margins of the cloth is liked by people. Our skill is in great demand and people pay huge amount in cities for it.”
“Shaista Bibi is also such a skilled lady but she also complaints about low payment. She says,
“Sewing and embroidery is a hard job but rate is low for us. We are paid meager amount which is not according to our skill and labour. Stitching and margin embroidery is liked by people at present but whatever the dealer receives; we are paid half of that amount.”
Jehanzeb Khan Niazi is a regional director in Punjab Small Industry who told us that to empower rural women; their department is giving loans free of interest to the women to start their private business. He says,
“We want our rural skilled women to work independently. We provide them loans which can help them start their domestic industry. We want them to be self-sufficient. We have given loans to almost 660 women in Bahawalpur.”
He describes the process of getting a loan in these words,
“We provide fifty thousand rupees to women under this scheme. It is necessary that each candidate must have received some kind of training in the relevant field. Any government employee can be a guarantor for her.”
Ahmadpur is famous for clay pottery for centuries. Its history is as old as the city itself. Hafiz Allah Rakha in the clay market says about his work that their articles are exported to other parts of the country,
“Our pots are sold in Mardan, Peshawar and other major cities. Our articles are sold at low prices.”
Working in the same market Abdul Jabbar says that load shedding is costing them dearly,
“Our job requires much hard labour and delicacy but power is always absent and we cannot work regularly. We are poor people and cannot earn enough.”
This skill is very common and famous in Ahmadpur but there is no state sponsored support and facilitation for these craftsmen and craftswomen. They request support and help by the government.
Tahir: Respected listeners, you listened to the report about small home based industry which is paid much attention by the provincial government. Mr. Qazi Adnan, you also listened to the problems faced by these craftsmen and low amount of money paid to them?
Qazi Adnan: It is true that market access is the major problem with these people. They are not paid well. We tried to attract the designers and convince them to approach these local craftsmen. The problem here is that embroidery is mostly done by women who remain indoors. I have not met success yet but I will continue my efforts to establish a local center where all the articles are displayed. It may prove as means to end unemployment. It is a traditional skill in this region but payment is too less.
Tahir: The official in the report also told that loans are given free of interest to these women. You are also a part of the government and can also help in this regard.
Qazi Adnan: Government is trying to provide loans free of interest to all the young men and women who wish to start their private businesses. Female are half of our population and we need them for overall progress of the country. It is certainly not good to leave half the population out of this process. Akhuwat is an NGO which is providing loans locally free of interest to all such people. It is also good to know that women are receiving half of these loans as per instruction by the government. I will advise all the young ladies to approach this organization as soon as possible. On the 11th of each month this NGO receives application. They have a proper method to evaluate all the application and all the deserving candidates are provided loans.
Tahir: Do you intend to have a training institute for these local craftsmen?
Qazi Adnan: We have some training institutes for such boys and girls. They provide free training with some stipends as well.
Tahir: If there had been a center for all the products by these skilled women, then it would have been much better. Mr. Qazi Adnan, last month we received many complaints about health sector but this time there are no complaints about health sector. It shows that you are doing well in this regard?
Qazi Adnan: Yes indeed I am trying my level best to serve my people well.
Tahir: It is time to discuss some of the complaints received through drop boxes. Talha has alleged that cleanliness is not good at Ahmadpur. He has requested to take some action against the local municipal committee.
Caller: (voice is inaudible and could not be comprehended)
Tahir: Thank you for calling us. Mr. Qazi Adnan will answer you readily.
Qazi Adnan: This lady called from Village Maharani and complained about low payment for her skill. I may stress again that unless they don’t have access to market, their situation will not ameliorate. I am making efforts to pay them enough for their traditional skill and craft. It is a pity that some of their skills are fading because of low payment.
Tahir: Now, could you please answer the question posed by Mr. Talha about cleanliness?
Qazi Adnan: I had a meeting about health and cleanliness recently. One of the problems that emerged was the disposal of dirty water and garbage. TMA officials are working round the clock but still we face these problems. We have completed almost ninety percent work on our sewerage system. I hope this problem will be minimized in the near future.
Tahir: Syed Imran Ali Shah from Dera Nawab has praised you for the grant of five hundred thousand rupees.
Qazi Adnan: We received this complaint during our last show and I have a vision to resolve all such issues. It may take time but will be resolved ultimately.
Tahir: Askar Abbas has complained about price hike and unemployment. He has requested for the establishment of some industry in the region.
Qazi Adnan: The good news for all such people is that a sugar mill has been approved in the region and I hope that it will usher in a demand for employment. Economic activities will be started and our situation will improve.
Tahir: Ashiq Butta has appreciated our radio program and expresses his hope that you will resolve their problems.
Qazi Adnan: I am thankful to him. Mr. Butta is ill and I request all the listeners to pray for his health.
Tahir: Mulazim Husain has also written us that road is under construction which will encroach his shop. He has asked if he could get a substitute place.
Qazi Adnan: I request all such people to approach the district committee to ascertain the value of their property. They will be paid accordingly.
Tahir: It is also reported through the drop boxes that officials in the hospitals should be stressed to do their duty well.
Qazi Adnan: We hope that high officials in our main hospitals will try to improve services. I have entrusted a task to them to have a cardiac ward in each hospital.
Tahir: One person has also written that load shedding is destroying their business at the outskirts of Ahmadpur.
Qazi Adnan: Load shedding cannot be helped but we try to avoid unscheduled load shedding. We have provided a help line by the Prime Minister in case of unscheduled load shedding. I advise all the people to make use of it.
Tahir: There are many complaints about the sewerage system.
Qazi Adnan: I have told you that we are faced with the disposal issue in the region. We have to apply enforcement methods to drain rain water out of our city.
Tahir: You have to hurry because Dengue mosquitoes may breed there.
Caller: We have a school in our area but there is no teacher available for our children.
Qazi Adnan: Yes indeed a teacher should be there. Thank you for drawing our attention to this issue. I will ensure to provide a teacher.
Tahir: Certainly our callers make the mistake of listening to the radio while making the call. That is the reason we could not talk to several callers. Mr. Qazi Adnan, we were discussing the major problem of sewerage.
Qazi Adnan: Yes, it is true that sewerage is our major concern in the constituency. Fifteen days ago, I had a meeting with the Chief Minister and I made the request for further funds. He has agreed to my request and now we plan to renovate and improve the whole system. Mohalla Islam Pura and Mandi will have an underpass in the future. I hope it will materialize in the near future. Water filtration plant is also my objective along with a sport stadium. We have received six crore rupees as grant for a new stadium. I endeavour to have a playground in each union council.
Tahir: You mentioned about the sport stadium which is so important for any region. Another major demand is clean drinking water.
Caller: My name is Qaisar. Our hospital at Dear Nawab has low staff and no qualified doctor is available to us.
Qazi Adnan: We have already publicized the post in the newspaper and I hope when we sit here next month, your hospital will have a doctor.
Tahir: You have been giving good news this time to our listeners. You also talked about clean drinking water. 80% people are talking contaminated water in southern Punjab; according to UN report. Could you please share with us the present scenario in Ahmadpur?
Qazi Adnan: You are right about this problem. I hope that when we go for election in 2018, no place in Bahawalpur will remain without clean drinking water. Sukhel and Khulan union councils have no clean water according to our survey and till the end of this year, most of such places will start receiving clean water. Till the end of next year there will be no problem of clean drinking water. I am monitoring this whole process myself. We will bring a revolution in the whole region. People will drink water as clean as mineral water. We will control water borne diseases very soon. We will also provide a park for our women this year. Our veiled ladies will be able even to play sport at this park. It is my vision to have a sport ground in each union council.
Tahir: Our traditional games are fading. Do you plan for its revival as well?
Qazi Adnan: Wrestling is our traditional and famous sport. We have arranged a specific spot for wrestling ring and this activity will be promoted.
Tahir: What message would you like to convey to your constituents who are listening to us?
Qazi Adnan: I want to stress that we must have tolerance and patience in our society. We must take care about each other. We must take care about our connected people and all the well-off people should support the poor and needy people around us. I pray that Almighty Allah may help us to uproot the menace of terrorism from our country.
Tahir: Thank you so much Mr. Qazi Adnan for your precious time. Our dear listeners, this program was an effort by Center for Research and Security Studies Islamabad with the sole purpose to resolve your problems. Callers have thanked Mr. Qazi Adnan for his efforts. Our objective had been to bring your MP face to face with you in an amiable environment. It is good bye for now.
Aired on: June 30, 2015
Pictures:
Pictures:
Constituency: PP-268, Bahawalpur-II
Parliamentarian: Qazi Adnan Fareed
Topic: Issues of PP-268, Bahawalpur-II
Moderated by: Mr. Tahir Baloch
Field based research report by: Ms. Shagufta
Date: Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of June 2015
(Aired on June 30, 2015)
Position: Second Constituency Hour Radio Program in Bahawalpur
Outline:
“PP-268 Bahawalpur is basically a rustic constituency where people are mostly suffering from backwardness of the whole region. Roads are not concrete while health facilities are scarce. The town of Ahmadpur is faced with an acute sewerage problem and paucity of electricity. But Qazi Adnan Farid who is the elected MPA from PP-268 has shown his firm resolve to get rid of all the major problems before the elections in 2018 with the support of the provincial government. He talked at length about the improvement of health, education, roads and other basic facilities and identified several projects to bring tangible improvement in all these sectors.”
Transcription:
Tahir: Dear listeners, I am your host Tahir Baloch with the program ‘Constituency Hour’. This is an effort by CRSS and Young Democrats Academy to bring your member of parliament face to face with you. Today we will hear and discuss the problems of PP-268 and all the actions taken by the government regarding them. Our guest for today is Qazi Adnan Farid who is an elected MPA from PP-268. I am thankful for your presence with us.
Dear listeners, you can also take part in the show by calling us on 0622888105. First of all, I would like Qazi Adnan Sab to tell us about some of the major activities going on in his constituency.
Qazi Adnan: I am very glad and thankful to be here to hear directly from my constituents. With the grace of God, several activities are going on. Foremost among these projects is the construction of a double road right up to the railway station. I am thankful to the people of Ahmadpur who have helped us remove all the encroachments along the road. It will be a wide road which will benefit the whole region.
Tahir: For the holy month of Ramadan, the provincial government has established special Bazaars. Could you please tell us about the Ramadan Bazaar in Ahmadpur?
Qazi Adnan: You might know that a top priority with our Chief Minister is to provide clean and cheap food items to the public. For that purpose special bazaars have been established in the whole province including Ahmadpur. All kinds of food stuff is available at these places with good rates as compared to the open market. It is situated in Ahmadpur City. Every shop has a price list pasted in front of it and no shopkeeper can increase prices unless sanctioned by the government.
Tahir: Dear listeners, five drop boxes have been placed in PP-268. These places are Dera Nawab, Basti (village) Ghutta, main Bazaar Ahmadpur, one at MPA office and Basti Sandhar, where you have full freedom and opportunity to register your complaints. These boxes are opened during weekly, Monthly and youth forums but my question is what actions have been taken so far?
Qazi Adnan: I have a feeling that our people still do not feel confident that all their complaints reach us. But I assure them that we do receive them and open all their applications. Most of the applications are about requests for employment. We try to take action about any complaint that is worthy of any action. But I want to stress that our chief minister has not appointed any person but on merit. Merit is the policy followed now and our public must understand it.
Tahir: When monthly meetings are held, do you personally participate in them?
Qazi Adnan: I try my best to be there in all such meetings.
Tahir: During our last show, price hike was discussed as the major issue here. What steps have you taken in this regard?
Qazi Adnan: Price hike starts right from the main market (Mandi). I have asked the local administration to have a representative in the market when transactions are made. Now rates are under control and if there is any compliant then they can approach Assistant Commissioner. There is zero tolerance in this regard by the provincial government.
Tahir: Last time we discussed something about illegal medicines in your constituency. It was reported in the newspaper that you have taken action against them.
Qazi Adnan: Chief Minister has chalked out two task forces in this regard. One is headed by the Chief Minister while the southern region is headed by me. We had a crackdown against unauthorized and illegal drugs and medicines. We have arrested several people and there is no concession for such people. We have fined, penalized and imprisoned many people who were found guilty of any involvement in illegal drugs.
Tahir: We pray for the success of this campaign because proper drugs and pills mean life for a patient.
Qazi Adnan: These people are like monsters in the guise of human beings. We will search them out at any cost. I warn all such people who are involved in any illegal activity in regard to medicine to reform themselves as soon as possible. Medicines are taken to save life but if that medicine is fake then it is the greatest of cruelties and we will not bear it.
Tahir: What is your vision for the rural area in your constituency?
Qazi Adnan: I have good news for our rustic areas that from January…
Caller: I want to congratulate you for inaugurating the double road. I want to know how we can get payment for our land that has been incorporated in this road.
Qazi Adnan: First of all, a person has to submit his papers of ownership to the department. The price assessment committee will assess the price of the land and subsequently payment will be made. I was talking about rural areas where clean drinking water is a major concern. We have taken a proper survey in all the villages in December last year. My priority is to provide water to all those union councils where paucity of water is serious. These union councils are Surb and Khel. But I am trying to resolve this issue in my constituency till June 2016. I am hopeful that when we go for election in 2018, there will be no village in the whole Punjab where water is a problem. We have sanctioned almost 70 billion rupees to bring a revolution in this regard. For the next three years 50 billion rupees will be spent on roads in Punjab annually.
Tahir: It means people will have easy access to all the markets in Punjab?
Qazi Adnan: When 150 billion rupees will be spent then there will be no place without roads. Shape of the whole province will be changed. Our farmers will benefit from it and most of their grievances will be removed.
Tahir: Fuel and machinery will be saved.
Qazi Adnan: These are a few steps which are a good omen for our rural areas.
Tahir: Most of the people in Ahmadpur North rear livestock for living. People have several problems and our reporter Shagufta Malik has prepared a report about them. Let us listen to the report.
Field Based Research Report:
Basti Dahana is in the outskirts of Ahmed Pur, Bahawalpur. Agriculture and livestock are the main livelihood sources of the people of this area whose problems are not much different from the people in the other areas. Qadir Bakhsh is a resident who says that their major problem is that of a bad road. He said,
“We have a road problem along with sewerage issues in our village.”
Shehzad is a carpenter and he also complained about a broken road, saying:
“Poor people are faced with many problems, especially bad road.”
Most of the people rear animals and it is an important source of earning. When an animal dies, people come to regret this valuable asset. According to livestock department, there are almost five million animals in the area including cows and buffalos. Muhammad Waseem says that there is no treatment for these animals.
“Our animals are in great number but there is no vet to take care of them. There are private vets who demand a huge amount of money from us. “
Deputy District office live stock Arshad Hussain, says that they administer precautionary injections and vaccines to all the animals.
“There is a deadly disease for these animals and we give vaccine for that. We also request all the well-off people to help us in this regard. There are various diseases for animals in the area which cause death of many animals. Some of the injections have to be repeated after every four months. The Government takes nominal fee for these vaccines.”
Women have also many problems here. Amina says that the absence of a good road has created many problems for women:
“We are facing several problems because of a bad road. We cannot reach the hospitals in time and our social life is also disturbed. We are also not treated well at the hospitals and have many health problems.”
People in the area have vested high hopes with their MPA Qazi Adnan to solve their problems soon.
Tahir: Mr. Qazi Adnan, you heard the report where people have identified several problems including broken roads. What is the situation there?
Qazi Adnan: People were right in narrating their problems. I may say that our main focus at present is directed towards energy crisis. People are demanding the construction of a road in Northern villages for long. Khadam Punjab Rural Support Program is the project where this road will be constructed but I cannot give a proper time limit for it. However, I express my firm resolve that the road along the stream will be expanded.
Tahir: You also heard in the report about the plight of live stock in the area. It was reported that official vets are scarce.
Qazi Adnan: There is an old animal husbandry where vets are at duty with medicine. If there is a problem then I request my constituents to report it through drop box or through telephone. Our vet hospital is one of the oldest hospitals in Bahawalpur.
Tahir: The officer in the area also came up with a proper reply and said that they cost only a nominal fee for treatment.
Qazi Adnan: If there is any problem then any aggrieved person can contact me.
Caller: My name is Qaisar (the voice of the caller is inaudible).
Qazi Adnan: The caller raised an important issue about the medicine in emergency. We have tried to ensure that no patient is forced to buy medicine from the open market in emergency. If there is any such complaint then you can ask the health officials or approach me. Indoor patients will definitely get the medicines free of cost. But outdoor patients have to buy medicine from the market. Anyway, we are making efforts towards lessening the burden of patients.
Tahir: It was reported by a lady in the report that women have a lot of problems especially due to road and health issues. What is your point of view?
Qazi Adnan: The fact is that the situation is bad out there but we have tried to ensure the presence of doctors in the hospitals. Our Chief Minister has now devised a plan to provide some facilities in each hospital. We have introduced a biometric system of attendance in the hospitals. It will ensure their full duty hours in the hospital. Improvement will come but slowly. We have also installed cameras and now MS can monitor the whole process in the hospitals. Because of these interventions and insurance of medicine, we will certainly improve the situation. All our primary and secondary hospitals in the whole Punjab will have proper facilities now. Our hospitals are overcrowded and there will always be some lapses.
Tahir: It is good to learn that people will trust government hospitals but I want to know whether you have any vision for female healthcare.
Qazi Adnan: For productive healthcare of mother and child, we have kept some of the BHUs (Basic Health Unit) and RHC (Rural health Center) open for twenty four hours. Doctors and ambulance will be available all the time. We have provided this facility to some pilot health centers which will be expanded in the near future. 1122 is the number to ask for an ambulance. We have provided the required equipment in such BHUs with skilled health officials. Skilled midwives are made certain to be present all the time. Our Chief Minster is looking after this issue himself.
Tahir: If people have any problem in this regard then who should they approach?
Qazi Adnan: They can approach me directly. They can approach director health and AFDO as well.
Caller: Sir, we have an acute problem of sewerage system in Mohalla (Street) Saadat in Dera Nawab.
Qazi Adnan: It is a serious problem in Dera Nawab. They had a problem of road as well which we have resolved now.
Caller: (sound is inaudible).
Qazi Adnan: I will reply you but first I will talk about sewerage issue in Mohalla Sadaat. We have completed a project there but still we need a lot more to do. I have talked to the Chief Minister who has promised to approve new schemes for the area. I intend to resolve this issue in the whole constituency. It is indeed a major issue. Mr. Asif has also reported a problem in his street. It is about shortage of electricity. I will inquire about it and try to give them some relief.
Tahir: Let us talk about some problems mentioned in drop boxes. Muhammad Raees has reported that street lights at Kachehri road are out of order. Main Abbasia road is also without lights and moreover, officials at hospitals are not cooperative.
Qazi Adnan: Our first priority in the provision of power is hospitals and industry. I will look into the matter about street lights. Our focus is already directed toward hospitals and I will look into his complaint.
Tahir: Mr. Sajid has also complained that medicines are not available at hospitals.
Qazi Adnan: I have already said that we do not provide medicine to the outdoor patients but indoor and emergency patients are our priority.
Tahir: Akram Khan has also said that there is no orthopedic doctor in the whole hospital.
Qazi Adnan: Yes, it is true that the concerned doctor has been promoted and there is no doctor but I am trying to solve this problem.
Tahir: How many specialist doctors are there in the hospital?
Qazi Adnan: There are many specialist doctors at present. We are also trying to activate CCU unit in the hospital. We have conducted three trainings for the doctors. We have improved the rules for transfer and promotion. We are trying to appoint local doctors who may have no issue of transfer.
Tahir: Are there any facilities for the local patients who need to be transferred to Bahawalpur main hospital?
Qazi Adnan: We have three ambulances for such patients with facilities. They cost only 360 rupees for transfer.
Tahir: It is also reported in the drop boxes that schools are without any security in rural areas. What steps have you taken in this regard?
Qazi Adnan: I may say that almost 90% of the schools in my constituency have been provided with such facilities within two years. We have provided furniture, built boundary walls, constructed bathrooms and all missing facilities have been provided. There are some dangerous buildings in my constituency which are my main focus now. I have shifted classes from such buildings like forward school and others. I hope that it will be completed within one year.
Tahir: We pray for your success. Teachers are also short in government schools.
Qazi Adnan: It is a valid question but I may say that there has been a proper system of recruitment at present. Many teachers are recruited from all subjects. We have recruited almost eighty teachers at one time. Merit has been observed during this recruitment. We have tried to appoint local teachers. I think there will be no school without enough teachers in the near future.
Caller: (There is sharp music in the background and the sound of the caller is inaudible.)
Qazi Adnan: He was talking from Basti (Village) Muhammad Yar Ghuttan. I have talked to the XeN (High official) about this issue. Their problem is the repair in the main transmission line because of which they face load shedding for eight long hours. I will take up this issue.
Tahir: Dear listeners, you listened to Constituency Hour where Qazi Adnan was our guest who is an elected MPA from PP-268. He is also heading special task force to curb illegal and fake medicines in Southern Punjab. Callers have also identified some of the problems in the region. We also talked at length about health problems in the constituency. We also discussed some of the issues reported to us through drop boxes. Mr. Qazi Adnan, what message would you like to convey at the end?
Qazi Adnan: I want to thank you and stress that drop boxes are important to be utilized. I also request all my listeners to help and support each other. We should show unity to defeat all the enemies of the state. My doors are always open to all the people who want me to help them. Thank you once again.
Tahir: Thank you for your precious time. It is goodbye for now.
Aired on: May 16, 2015
Pictures:
Constituency: PP-268, Bahawalpur-II Province: Punjab
Parliamentarian: Qazi Adnan Fareed
Radio Station: Radio Awaz,FM-105,Bahawalpur
Topic: Issues of PP-268, Bahawalpur-II
Moderated by: Mr. Tahir Baloch
Field based research report by: Ms. Shagufta
Date: Constituency Hour Radio Program for the month of May 2015
(Aired on May 16, 2015)
Position: First Constituency Hour Radio Program in Bahawalpur
Outline:
Mr. Qazi Adnan Farid, the elected MPA of PP-268 portrayed his ambitious plans for this backward area and showed his trust on the provincial government to make his area a better place within a couple of years. His constituents highlighted several problems and issues with regard to health, clean drinking water, sewerage, price hike, cleanliness and dilapidated roads through live calls in the show. Agriculture is the main sector more than 80% inhabitants are associated with and Mr. Qazi expressed his resolve to improve this sector. An improvement in this sector will trigger an overall progress and prosperity in the whole constituency.
Transcription:
Tahir: Listeners, this is your host, Tahir Baloch, with program “Constituency Hour”. This program is brought to you with the co-operation of “Young Democrats Academy and Center for Research & Security Studies, Islamabad”. In today’s program, we will talk about the complaints, problems, their solutions and efforts of Government of Punjab for the folks of “halqa-268 (constituency PP-268)”. In this regard, we have Mr. Qazi Adnan Fareed (MPA-constituency PP 268) as our guest for today’s program. All listeners are welcome to participate and get their complaints heard live in this program by dialing our contact number: 0622888105. We are cordially thankful for your arrival here and that you took time out for us and our listeners.
Host: Now we will start this program by asking Mr. Qazi a question. What development projects are under work and what other future plans do you have planned for this particular area?
Mr. Qazi: First of all, I would like to thank you for having me here in your studio so that I can talk to the people of my constituency. I am sure all the listeners will participate in this program and I will answer each of their questions. Now coming to your question, we know that southern Punjab was mostly the backward area so our constituency used to be the same. The major issue among all others in constituency-268 was unemployment which was ultimately leading to poverty. Since the day I was elected by the blessing of Allah and the support of my people, I was faced with many challenges to handle and my major aim was to provide and create employment. We are all aware that our area is basically an agrarian area. So, I decided to promote and improve agriculture as I thought it would be helpful to reduce the unemployment rate in our area. I met with CM (Mr Shahbaz Shareef) and requested him for the continuous supply of canal water so that our agrarian areas could prosper. It was a 2 years program and in the very first year, we reached 80 points. The canal water scheme and the improved agricultural agenda did not only cover the constituency-268 but the whole “Tehsil (administrative area)”. The people can now tell the difference and this development came because of this scheme
Host: That’s really great and certainly when farmers and cultivators are happy, other folks connected to this field will be happy too, and money will be in circulation from farmers to traders and vice versa.
Mr. Qazi: Absolutely, and that is what we considered and worked for; to make everyone happy and satisfied in the community.
Host: The main idea behind this program is to bring the voters and the elected person in contact so thatthe voters can get their voice heard. That is why we have live call system; to receive calls of the common people and to know their problem.
Mr. Qazi: I think that is an appreciable effort and the best use of this medium (Radio). I encourage all the listeners to participate and talk to me about their problems.
Host: What other departments have you worked for?
Mr. Qazi: Other than the employment concern, we have improved the status of “Tehsil HQ Hospital” and I am grateful to the DCO for permitting us the renovating grant (125 million) in order to renew the tattered condition of the hospital. Besides the renovation, we ensured the availability of doctors at the hospital.
Caller: In Dera Nawab Shah, particularly “Muhala Sadaat & Muhala Durani”, we have a bad sewage & water drainage system and it is causing multiple diseases among the residents. What plans do you have for making it better?
Mr. Qazi: Thank you for pointing out this very significant issue and very soon, I will send the team of health engineers to visit your area and to plan and estimate the remedy for this issue.
Host: What other plans do you have to make the sewage system of the whole area better?
Mr. Qazi: It is a non-negligible issue and I am thankful to the concerned department which gave us the grant of 90 million to improve the sewage system. As this problem is 60 years old, so are some of the areas in our constituency but now 90% of the work is done and people appreciate it.
Caller: Sir, no doubt you have done a lot but the staff and the dispensary at the hospital charge us money for free medicines. What actions will you take to end this?
Mr. Qazi: Kindly, mention the name of particular health center/hospital so I can visit there myself and take the required action. Anyway, I assure you it will be much better in the next coming mnths as it is the main focus of Punjab Government to supply better and free health care services, especially in cases of maternity.
Host: Can people visit you at your office to discuss their problems?
Mr. Qazi: Yes, they always can and other than this, we have placed some green boxes in our area for the common people so they can write their issue and put that paper in the box. Our team checks those boxes weekly and I, myself, take action against applications.
Host: Sir, we have a report ready in which we included the problems of “halqa-268”, let’s have a listen.
Report: Young Democrats Academy is a program in which common people talk and share their problems with the elected members and leaders of their areas. Constituency-268 is the provincial part of Bahawalpur whichconsists of 11 union councils. According to the fact & figures, the population of this area is about (2.5 million). Mr. Qazi Adnan is the MPA of this area.
Ghulam runs a fruit cart for a living. He says that Mr. Qazi has done a lot but the biggest issue is still unsolved and that is the high inflation rate. Another issue, particularly in the area, is the unpaved road to the hospital that causes delay in the arrival of ambulance on time.
M. Shehzad has a crockery store. He complains about the poor hygienic conditions at Tehsil HQ Hospital, Ahmed Pur. He says that washrooms do not have lightbulbs and bed sheets are always dirty.
Some other people from minorities have complained that landlords do not give them money for their services and they have nothing else to do for their livelihood.
Syed Imran highlighted the absence of play-grounds and parks in the area.
The rest of the people talked about the issue of unemployment.
Mr. Qazi: I am very astonished as I just checked the condition of the hospital myself but that was a week ago. I will send some teams there to check for flaws and to fix them. And in case of minorities, we are working on certain projects to build and to acquire a land for a temple and church. It will cost approximately 19 lacs. Apart from this, if they are not being paid for their services, they can write their complaints to me directly by putting them into the green box. I will personally find out the reasons.
Host: What about the play-grounds and parks?
Mr. Qazi: It is the priority of CM to involve the youth in healthy sports and games, and it all begins at district level and ends at Punjab level. We are upgrading the stadium of our area and the high school ground to use them as playgrounds in evening timings with all the facilities and sports’ equipment. Besides arranging for play-grounds, we are doing a lot for the promotion of education. We have upgraded the girls’ college into a post graduate college so as to make education available in their own area so they do not have to travel to other cities. We got a grant of 4 crores from CM to build an education block in the college.
Host: What is your say about high inflation and rate/pricing lists for vegetables and fruits’ stores?
Mr. Qazi: Assistant Commissioners are ordered to check those details and the Chief Minister has assigned a team for this purpose. Furthermore, the other big and horrible issue is the availability of harmful di-gesic medicines at medical stores. We cracked down many clinics and now there is a strict law and punishments for such clinics and fake doctors who sell and prescribe such medicines. In Multan we shut down 3 factories of which were manufacturing illicit drugs. And we have 100 FIRs on this particular case. Through the medium of your program, I want to warn such criminals to stop practicing this criminal and deadly activity as in June there will be tougher actions taken against them. And it is the aim of the CM to cleanse Pakistan and, especially, Punjab from such lethal drugs.
Caller: Mubarik Pur has no doctors in the hospital. The prevalent availability of unhealthy ice cream in the streets has been causing bad health conditions in the area. What actions will you take for this?
Mr. Qazi: We will launch a scheme in your city very soon to check and monitor the health standards there.
Host: What about water sanitation, as the facts and figures say that 82% of the people drink dirty water?
Mr. Qazi: CM Punjab has launched a pure drinking water sanitary company and I assure you that by 2017, pure water will be available to all the folks at their walking distance. We have already worked on this plan in Lodhran and Bahawalpur. According to the survey we recently completed, in my constituency, two union councils have dirty drinking water. By 2016, Insha Allah, no village will be withoutt pure and healthy water to drink.
Host: What about the availability of teachers at schools?
Mr. Qazi: We have devised a secret team and they have android phones so they are always in touch with the education department. They visit schools unannounced and check attendance registers for the presence of teachers in classrooms and then direct the education department to take requiredactions. This system has changed the attitude of teachers positively and now they care about their attendance.
Host: Thank you, Mr. Qazi, for being with us. We discussed the real problems and their solutions. I hope your efforts will continue and people will see the change.