DERA GHAZI KHAN: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Saturday that the government would present fifth national budget 2012-2013 in May with particular focus on initiatives to end loadshedding, reduce unemployment and welfare of growers.
Addressing a delegation of legislators from DG Khan division and party office bearers in the VIP lounge of the local airport soon after his arrival, the Prime Minister said that uplift of backward areas was priority of the government and added that unprecedented development took place during the tenure of the present government.
Gilani said that the federal government provided funds to the provinces to extend support to the flood hit people.
He said that the government believes in freedom of media and added that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had returned to the country to restore democracy, ensure independence of judiciary and freedom of media.
Legislators and PPP office bearers apprised the PM of the problems of their respective areas on the occasion.
The Prime Minister announced to set up an Information Technology University in Dera Ghazi Khan and added that provincial government should allocate a suitable piece of land for the purpose.
He said that Multan-DG Khan road would be converted into a dual carriageway with two bypasses leading to Jampur and Kot Chutta adding that instructions have been issued to National Highway Authority (NHA) in this connection.
He said that 22 kilometre long portion of road that passes through rocky mountains of Suleman Range from Raakhi Gaarj to Boata, the inter-provincial check post between Punjab and balochistan would be built with the assistance from Japan.
He said that Chachraan Sharif bridge would be inaugurated soon while a bridge over river Indus to connect Layyah with Taunsa Sharif would also be built.
In response to demand for Sui gas supply to Rajanpur and Jampur, the Prime Minister said that a sum of Rs 500 million was spent on Sui gas facility to tehsil Rojhan and added that the same facility would also be provided to Rajanpur and Jampur once the gas shortage problem is over.
On a demand for establishment of journalists colony in DG Khan, the Prime Minister said that a proposal be sent to him in this connection. (APP)