24/02/2025
*Highlights of Chief Minister Punjab Madam Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Major Official Engagements & Decisions from 10 to 16 February 2025*
1.Launched a special project to provide assistive devices to the differently-abled persons in the province, in order to bring ease and comfort in their lives. Said,”Wheelchairs will be provided free of cost to special people deprived of transportation capacity in order to facilitate their movement.”Added,”Special hearing aids will be provided to hearing impaired people. Provision of hearing aids will increase hearing and speaking ability of special people.” Highlighted,”Applications for the assistive devices can be submitted online from home through an online portal adwc.punjab.gov.pk, for which CNIC of the disabled person, a form and a disability certificate issued by the District Disability Assessment Board will be required”
2.Said,”The potential applicants can also call a dedicated helpline 1312 for seeking the needed information.” Added,”Guidelines and information can also be obtained from the district offices of social welfare in the respective districts”
3.Said,”Special persons are very special and valuable.” Added,”We will definitely fulfill our promise of rehabilitation and improvement of special persons.” Underscored,”Pakistan's first public sector autism center for special persons will be completed soon.” Flagged,”The purpose of issuing ‘Himmat Card’ is to lead special persons towards economic self-reliance”
4.Met along with President Pakistan Muslim League-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Members of the Punjab Assembly from Lahore Division to discuss matters relating to various development and public welfare projects in the province, besides future political strategies. The participants paid her rich tribute for undertaking record development and public welfare projects in a short span of time. These projects include Suthra Punjab, Kisan Card, Green Tractor Scheme, modern agricultural machinery, Honhaar Scholarship program, construction and rehabilitation of roads, Dhee Rani program, upgradation of basic and rural health centres, and revamping of the entire health system in the province
5.President PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, while speaking to the assembly members, expressed hope that Pakistan would "take off" once again, and acknowledged that Shehbaz Sharif is working very hard to change the destiny of our dear homeland. He noted that after a long time, happiness and satisfaction are clearly visible in Lahore and Punjab. He expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty for giving PML-N an opportunity to serve the masses wholeheartedly once again, adding that our journey to serve the masses will continue unabated.
He added that Allah Almighty has enabled the incumbent government to put the country on path to progress and prosperity at a swift pace. He noted that Allah Almight has saved the country from getting derailed and falling into a pit, adding that he has seen many ups and downs in his life
6.President PML-N underscored that whenever PML-N comes into power, our country makes rapid progress. He said,”Had Pakistan not been derailed and the journey of the 1990s had continued, the country would have been much further ahead in terms of development and progress.” He added,”Reduction in inflation has given the general public a sigh of relief.” He highlighted,”Policy rate decrease from 22 to 12% is a sign of economic improvement in the country”
7.The Assembly Members acknowledged that every sector of Punjab province is moving towards progress and development in a short span of one year. They said,”Madam Chief Minister is the pride of Punjab.”They added,”PM Shehbaz Sharif and CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif have set a new bright example of development, progress and public service in the country.” They highlighted,”Traditions of both Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif are being carried forward in an unprecedented and remarkable manner”
8.The visiting MPAs said,”Whenever PML-N comes into power, the country attains development, progress and prosperity in every sector. CM Maryam Nawaz has set a remarkable example of reforming the governance system by introducing a transparent system of e-tendering in Punjab.” They added,”The journey of equal and quality development is swiftly moving forward on the basis of merit in the province. The construction of 'Wagah Tourism Corridor' is an exemplary initiative of the Punjab government.The happiness of the people of Punjab is returning once again”
9.Said while addressing the Assembly Members, "Whenever names of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif come up, we think of public service and development." Added,”By the grace of Allah Almighty, Nawaz Sharif is the name of Pakistan's development, and we are all his soldiers”
10.Directed the authorities concerned to ensure restoration of small businesses impacted due to anti-encroachment drive. Said,”Removal of encroachments is essential for smooth traffic flow, but Punjab government's anti-encroachment drive is not intended to make the common man unemployed. No one's livelihood should be taken away under any circumstance." Added,"It is imperative to make alternative arrangements for those who have become jobless.” Highlighted,”Alternative spaces will be provided for those affected by the anti-encroachment drive in every city, and arrangements for providing employments to the affectees are being reviewed."
11.Said," Unregulated encroachments in every city have made it difficult to pass through the markets with ease. However, Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has directed to provide immediate relief to all those affected by the anti- encroachment drive”
12.Said in her message on International Day of Women and Girls in Science,”Role of women in the world of science and technology is not just necessary but also indispensable.” Added,”For progress, we must equip our daughters with modern sciences and IT skills.” Highlighted,”Punjab government is taking practical steps to bring women and girls forward in scientific and technical fields”
13.Said,”Thousands of female students are being given full tuition fees, especially in scientific fields, through Honhar Scholarship Program.” Added,”Now no girl's dream in Punjab will remain unfulfilled due to lack of resources.”
14.Said,”The aim of laptop scheme is to provide female students with access to modern technology.” Added,”Our daughters will be able to further improve upon their educational and professional skills through the laptop scheme.” Underscored,”Women are gaining a prominent position in the global digital market through advanced IT training programs”
15.Said,”A free Wi-Fi program has been started in Lahore for the public, especially female students.” Added,”Pakistan's development is linked to the development of women”
16.Said,”We will provide every facility to our daughters that will help them move forward in science, technology and IT according to world standards.” Added,”We are creating a Punjab where women do not lag behind anyone in development, rather stand at the forefront”
17.Visited Government Pilot Higher Secondary School to launch the largest in the history of Pakistan, government schools science and technology show. Distributed cash prizes among the winners of Jashn STEAM in eight categories. Students and their teachers from Hafizabad, Jhang, DG Khan and Multan received prizes.
18.Was welcomed by scouts with enthusiastic applause on her arrival. Got out of the vehicle and expressed affection for the children. Shook hands with the students playing school band. Children dressed in vibrant regional costumes welcomed her by playing the tambourine. Children talked to her,”We wanted to meet you.” Madam Chief Minister questioned a little girl,”What do you want to achieve in your career?”
19.Inspected Jashn STEAM exhibition. Had a detailed look at the stalls of schools from all districts, inspected models made by the students, and congratulated them. Students presented her sketches, paintings and pieces of calligraphy. Also inspected exhibition of models of human heart and nervous system, where students gave a briefing. They made models of water recycling plant, air purifier, fire flame detector, home security system, hydraulic jack system, wastewater treatment plant, hydraulic excavator, wind energy, auto lighting, radar detection rigging, smog collector, and DC Refrigerator model, hydroelectric generator, sugar refinery, smog collector, hydraulic parking system, and smart home model. A Rajanpur student presented a Li-Fi model that is 100 times faster than WiFi. Animated video, hydraulic bridge, thermal solar energy system, earthquake detector, AI robotic car and robotic model for cleaning were exhibited. Gas detection, space shuttle pendant launching and solar security system were also exhibited. A Student presented a model of converting music sound into electrical energy
20.Was briefed by Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikander Hayat and Parliamentary Secretary Nosheen Adnan. Around 300,000 students from 6,000 High schools participated in the celebration of STEAM competitions. The students prepared 5,000 models in science technology and math. At the end of the ceremony, students gathered around Madam Chief Minister and took pictures. Students also took autographs on caps and coats from her
21.Paid a surprise visit to Government Pilot Secondary School. Students weee happy at her surprise visit. Interacted with the students on their studies. Also inspected the principal's office and auditorium
22.Chaired 23rd provincial cabinet meeting to discuss and decide on 90 agenda items. The cabinet took an important decision to promote industrialization in Punjab and approved:
• ‘Zero Time to Start Policy’ for Special Economic Zones, Industrial Estates, and Small Industrial Estates. Said, “Investors should come, set up industries, start their work, necessary formalities would be completed later on. We want to provide all kinds of facilities to the industrialists in Punjab for doing business. They may set up as many industries as they can, they will be given NOCs immediately. The difficult process for setting up industries will be made easy and business-friendly.”
• Free travel facility for differently-abled persons and senior citizens in the mass transit system
• Introduction of a special student travel card for the students. Sought a plan to start a tram service
• Funds worth Rs. 580 million for the “Cryoablation” machine, an alternative to chemotherapy for cancer patients. Directed to introduce a modern cancer treatment method for cancer patients
• Funds to make special education centres of excellence across Punjab. Directed to make special education centres friendly and better for differently-abled persons
• To introduce special transport for differently-abled people in Punjab
• To recruit 5,960 constables
• Relaxation of restrictions for 127 recruitments in the Mass Transit Authority, besides 87 posts in the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau
• Enhancement of age limit up to 65 years for filling up vacant posts of doctors in Basic and Clinical Sciences
• Recruitment against 25 posts in the ICT of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education, besides staff in Danish School in Tunsa
• Supplementary grant for recruitment on vacant posts in the Forest Department, besides 500 posts under the Traffic Management Plan in Murree
• Amendment in Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 for the implementation of Axle Load Management System in Punjab. Directed to fill potholes on roads immediately
• Rs 30 billion for Nigahban Ramadan Package, which will benefit 30 million people. An ATM card for Nigahban Ramadan Package will be introduced in Punjab from next year. Said,”For the first time in Punjab, people will not have to stand in lines, and will get Rs 10,000 sitting at home
• Provision of 1,000 free tractors to wheat farmers in place of land leveler
• To replace 353 vehicles of Rescue 1122 service in Punjab in a phased manner. In the first phase, 117 Rescue 1122 ambulances will be provided
• Punjab Special Planning Act 2024
• Qualification criteria for the Vice Chancellors of technological universities
• Reconstitution of Punjab Cooperative Bank Limited
• Legislation for the establishment of ‘Punjab Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency’
• Draft of Punjab Local Government Act 2024. Dissolution of the task force and the establishment of a Ministerial Committee to review delimitation of divisions, districts and tehsils. Directed Minister for Information & Culture Madam Azma Bukhari to review Punjab Defamation (Tribunal) Rules 2024
• Rs. 309 million for the construction and renovation of metrobus corridor of Lahore Metrobus System
• Grant for the operationalization of pilot project of electric buses
• The ‘e-credit scheme’ under the Chief Minister Punjab Livestock Card
• Establishment of a special centre for robotic artificial limbs from South Korea
• Proposed amendments to the Drug Act 1976, 2022
• Reconstitution of Board of Directors of Punjab Transport Company
• Appointment of Chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau
• Reconstitution of Punjab Zakat & Ushr Council
• Filling of vacant post of Information Commissioner of Punjab, besides the formation of a new Board of Directors of the Punjab Mineral Company
• Grant from South Korea for flood water storage project in Multan, besides the transfer of Punjab Saaf Pani Company assets to Punjab Saaf Pani Authority
• Grant from Japan International Cooperation Agency for WASA Faisalabad
• Funds for the repair of old bulldozers in Heavy Industry Taxila
• Capacity building project for employees of provincial and regional transport authorities
• Operation and maintenance of Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park Bahawalpur, besides flood management of hill torrents in DG Khan and Rajanpur
• Procedure for the appointment of Chief Oncologist of Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment & Research Lahore
• Review of special allowance of district law officers
• Establishment of a committee for auctioning precious metals on the banks of Indus River
• 40 liters of petrol allowance for process servers and bailiffs of the district judiciary of Punjab
• Establishment of the Health Reforms Initiative ‘Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic’, besides the acquisition of consultancy services for feasibility studies of development projects and the mid-term review of the Annual Development Program 2024-25
• Inclusion in ADP 2024-25 of public buildings project of District Mandi Bahauddin, besides increase in the expenditure of development projects for 2024-25
• Establishment of smart police stations in various districts of Punjab
• Funds for water supply project in Murree, besides a grant for the construction of drainage and water supply line in Kasur
• Construction of road between Lodhran and Jalalpur, besides the construction of flyover at Pathanwala railway crossing
• Construction of 29.70 km road in Sialkot, inclusion of Bahawalpur Ring Road project in the Annual Development Program, and the construction of additional carriageway in Toba Tek Singh
• Establishment of health centre in Bhurban, and restoration of Hazrat Dawood Bandagi's shrine in Okara
• The purchase of laptops under CM Punjab Laptop Program
• Grant worth Rs. 100 crore for Lahore Metropolitan Corporation, funds for Kashmir Solidarity Day and grant of assistance for UET Lahore
• Ratified decisions of 22nd Cabinet meeting and decisions of 13th meeting of Cabinet Standing Committee on Legislation and Privatization
• Request for the payment of medical expenses for the treatment of various persons and the marriage grant for the daughter of the Bureau Chief of Rose News
• Annual performance reports of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency for the years 2013 and 2018 to 2023 and the annual report of the Punjab Examination Commission, Lahore for the years 2023-24
23.Appreciated best arrangements for the participation of international players in tent pe***ng, archery and other sports on the second day of the colourful Horse & Cattle Show in Punjab. Players from foreign teams gave an enthusiastic performance and displayed excellent sportsmanship in thrilling competitions of tent pe***ng. Foreign male and female players announced their participation in the next Horse & Cattle Show as well. The players from foreign teams paid tribute to the excellent arrangements of the Horse & Cattle Show and remarked that they were happy to see the culture of Punjab and the liveliness of the people of Lahore.
13 international teams participated in the Horse & Cattle Show. These include tent pe***ng teams from Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United States. Archery teams from Pakistan, Iran, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan also displayed excellent performance in the Horse & Cattle Show. 54 teams are participating in the Horse & Cattle Show across the country. The expert horse riders were seen active in the field wearing traditional costumes. A large number of fans witnessed the Horse & Cattle Show in the Fortress Stadium. The horse riders demonstrated their excellent skills in tent pe***ng and horse riding, and were greatly appreciated by the fans
24.A three-day National Horse & Cattle Show Lahore started on February 10. For the first time after 30 years, 70 international teams have participated in the Horse & Cattle show. The title of “Horse & Cattle Show 2025” is “Unity, Progress and Restoration of Culture”
25.Announced the construction of modern IT labs and the upgradation of science labs in government schools across Punjab. Also announced to launch Spoken English and Character Building classes in government schools along with the provision of laptops to 1100 students of the science and technology show “Jashan STEAM”. Took a pledge from the students never to take any adverse step against the country. Said while addressing the ‘Jashan STEAM’ ceremony,”With a little attention and investment, our children can conquer the world. I am happy to see big dreams of young children. I urge children never to give up pursuing their dreams. Students should focus on getting their education, and do not let anyone mislead them and ruin their lives. Children from Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces also have a right to get laptops and scholarships.” Added, “I personally inspected the students' creations at all stalls which gave me hope and confidence in our future. After seeing the stalls, projects and work of the students, I realized that our children also have an immense potential. 1100 children from all over Punjab have won the Jashn STEAM competitions in their respective districts. Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat is working day and night for the children. The Education Minister organized competitions frequently to highlight abilities of the students in science, art, mathematics and engineering”
26.Said, “I was greatly surprised to see the creative and innovative work of the children. I felt very happy to see the visible happiness on their faces, how much happy their parents must be feeling. I heartily congratulate all children, their parents and teachers who participated in Jashan STEAM. When I asked the children what they want to become, I came to know that the children have very high dreams to achieve. I am like your mother, I will continue to work for my children as long as I am in this office. I will try my best to make my children's dreams come true. I will shower all resources at my disposal on the sons and daughters of Punjab.”
Added, “49,000 government schools in Punjab will be upgraded. Furniture, classrooms and other needs will be met in government schools. The environment in government schools will also be improved so that children feel desire to come to school. The IT labs that Shahbaz Sharif built in 2008 will be upgraded again. Spoken English classes will be started for children studying in government schools. Urdu, Punjabi, Saraiki, Potohari are
