LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that the Punjab government is set to distribute laptops and bicycles to more than 100,000 students, emphasizing the importance of empowering the youth.
Speaking to participants of the National Workshop from Balochistan, she expressed joy in meeting them and extended a warm welcome to students from the province. She highlighted that Punjab remains open and inclusive, providing educational opportunities to children from across Pakistan through its institutions.
The Chief Minister underscored the pivotal role of young people as the nation’s future while reaffirming that politics should focus on serving the people. She assured unwavering dedication to citizens without bias, noting that favoritism has been eliminated in Punjab. Public resources are now managed transparently and appointments are strictly merit-based.
Addressing financial and security concerns, Maryam Nawaz clarified that Punjab does not receive surplus funding and outlined measures aimed at crime reduction. She placed special attention on creating safe spaces for women, with the Safe City program being expanded across the province.
On social welfare initiatives, the CM revealed plans to construct 125,000 homes for the underprivileged while delivering free medications directly to residents. The broader objective includes building 500,000 homes over five years.
She showcased achievements in healthcare and infrastructure development, noting the establishment of a cutting-edge hospital in Sargodha, international acclaim for the “Suthra Punjab” initiative, the introduction of electric buses in Lahore, consistent air quality control despite smog challenges, affordable Green Bus service fares set at Rs20, citywide free Wi-Fi in Lahore, and new bus stations across Punjab. By the end of her tenure, she aims to ensure a cardiac hospital in every district.
Special-needs children remain a priority, with 30,000 surgeries already performed and plans underway for establishing centers of excellence in all cities. Infrastructure progress includes constructing 20,000 kilometers of roads and addressing drainage issues in urban areas within a year.
The Punjab government has also introduced air ambulances alongside development projects such as the ‘Honhar Scholarship Program,’ designed to support gifted students from underprivileged backgrounds. Another batch of 100,000 students will soon benefit from bicycles and laptops as part of its continued efforts to uplift communities.
