Govt to set up centre for research: CM

By Asif Rafiq

LAHORE: The Punjab government will establish a centre for excellence for researchers with Rs 400 million to help scientists research, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi told the participants of a two-day Congress on Livestock and Poultry organised by the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) at the Aiwan-e-Iqbal, which he opened on Friday.

He said the livestock sector had been ignored. “Now the livestock sector will be treated as importantly as health and education,” the CM added. The CM also answered queries and responded to issues raised by PVMA President Dr Muhammad Arshad in his address. He said a committee had been formed which would present a report on livestock problems in four weeks. He promised to act on the committee’s findings in two weeks.

Addressing the opening session earlier, Dr Arshad stressed a service structure for veterinary doctors and urged them to reap benefits through work hard. He also underlined the need for an executive district officer from the Livestock Department than from the Agriculture Department. He said farmers should be given loans on easy instalments for the development of poultry industry.

A large number of scientists attended the first session of the congress besides more than 500 farmers who are expected to gain from the scientists at the congress. Livestock and Dairy Development Minister Haroon Ahmed Sultan praised the CM’s consideration. Around 20 companies have set up information stalls for the congress participants. The proceedings will continue on Saturday (today) and conclude with an address by Punjab Governor Lt Gen (r) Khalid Maqbool.

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