Dr Ashiq lays foundation stone of Old House in Sialkot

SIALKOT: Federal Population Welfare Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan laid the foundation stone of an old house to be constructed with a total cost of Rs30 million, Geo News reported Monday.

She said that an old age home was being established at a cost of Rs 3 crore in Sialkot and it would accommodate male and females separately.

The minister said the step was being taken under the special directives of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani for the social welfare of old age people of Sialkot district in this home.

The work on this project would be carried out shortly and it would be operation during next year she added. Dr Firdous was of the opinion that the establishment of old age home in this export-oriented city and hub of cottage industry of the country would be an addition and it would prove to be a solace for old age males and females.

The federal minister further said that Sialkot airport authorities would get second instalment of Rs 25 crore shortly for the completion of remaining development of Sialkot International Airport.

Dr Firdous disclosed that Haji Camp would be accomplished before the next Hajj season, which would lessen the problems of pilgrims. A large number of pilgrims of Sialkot, Narowal Gujranwala and Gujrat districts were being benefited of regular operation of Hajj flights from Sialkot International Airport she said.

Dr Firdous said that we are making adequate efforts for motivating other airlines to operate flights from Sialkot international airport for the complete success of airport. Private sector of Sialkot had set a unique precedent by constructing mega project of airport on self-help basis which successfully functioning and catering the needs of not only business community but also for the general public, she added.

Earlier, the federal minister addressing the pilgrims at Sialkot International Airport she stressed upon the Hajj pilgrims that they should offer special pray for the solidarity, prosperity and unity of the country during Hajj and obey the rules and regulations during their stay in Saudis Arabia. Later, the federal Minister see-off the pilgrims at the airport.