We are focused on exploiting true potential of exports in the technology sector: PM Imran Khan
ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (SABAH): “We are focused on exploiting true potential of exports in the technology sector.” said Prime Minister Imran Khan while chairing a meeting of the Board of Governors of Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) on Wednesday.
“Technology must be leveraged upon to not only earn foreign exchange but to recover from the current account deficit,” he added. The Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned to take all possible measures to facilitate potential investors in the IT sector. He stressed upon ensuring ease of doing business to attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the field.
Earlier, the Prime Minister was apprised that an investment of Rs. 520 Million has been committed in different projects in Islamabad Technopolis, Karachi and Lahore Special Technology Zones under Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA).
The meeting was attended by Industries Minister Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, IT Minister Syed Amin ul Haque, Advisor to PM on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Fayyaz Ahmed Tarin, Special Assistant to PM Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, Chairman STZA Amer Ahmed Hashmi and other senior officers concerned.
Meanwhile in a soft launch on Wednesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan broke the ground for the new model Panagahs being built in Islamabad Capital Territory with improved standards and structure. On the special instructions of the Prime Minister, the four new Panagahs are being built in Tarlai, Tarnol, G-9 and Mandi More areas of Islamabad adjacent to the existing facilities.
At the event, PM also unveiled the final plans of these multistoried Panagahs to be constructed. He lauded Ehsaas team, CDA, NCA and all concerned for their collaborative efforts and instructed to ensure the speedy execution of new model Panagahs. The Prime Minister underlined the importance of provision of quality food and service at the Panagahs. He directed the concerned departments to provide Ehsaas services at the Panagahs and also emphasized upon providing skill development training at the Panagahs enabling the residents to become contributing citizens in the society.
The Prime Minister appreciated the collective efforts of the concerned departments and directed them to replicate the model in the provinces on the same line.
Earlier, Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM briefed the PM on the Panagahs’ new strategic plan including construction, furnishing, governance, execution, digital monitoring, capacity building and financing. “In addition to ‘bed breakfast and meals’ facilities for labourers, these Panagahs will also have Ehsaas One Window Centers, to enable labourers and the underprivileged class to benefit from the government’s social welfare programs.”, said Dr. Sania.
CDA has given land on concessional rates to the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division for this purpose after Cabinet approval. The new model of Panagahs has been designed in collaboration with. At the venue, samples of furniture and fixtures for new Panagahs to be used in model Panagahs were also displayed.
Earlier, PM Imran Khan also unveiled the plaque and the new model of Panagah. To redesign the structure of model Panagah and furniture, Ehsaas has collaborated with National College of Arts (NCA) Lahore. The new Panagah design incorporates bigger kitchen, cold storage, reception, lobby, waiting areas, and enhanced capacity to offer food and shelter to those in need. To offer best lodging and quality food to Panagah beneficiaries, Ehsaas and Serena Hotels are already collaborating.
In the first phase, staff and occupants of all Panagahs in Islamabad are being trained on hospitality, food safety and hygiene, health safety and environment, and housekeeping, exercising regular monitoring of amenities. So far, Ehsaas has opened 27 Panagahs in different areas of the country including 5 in Sindh, 8 in KP, 7 in Balochistan, 5 in Islamabad and 1 each in GB and Punjab. Under the umbrella of Ehsaas, Panagahs offer one star plus bed and breakfast facility with meals, essentials, hygiene, laundry and security standards. Each Panagah serves free meals to around 500 people and offers 100-bed facility for overnight stay.