LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday announced a province-wide initiative to distribute 3 to 5 acres of government-owned agricultural land among underprivileged families, describing the move as part of broader efforts to address poverty and regional disparities.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of an electric bus service in Rajanpur, where the chief minister rejected criticism that development projects are confined to Lahore and Central Punjab, saying progress is now reaching historically neglected districts.
Speaking at the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz said Rajanpur holds special importance for her government despite its distance from the provincial capital. She praised Balochi traditions and culture, stressing that uplifting backward areas remains a key priority.
According to the chief minister, Rs12 billion has been spent on the construction of 72 roads in Rajanpur, significantly improving connectivity and access to transport. She said Punjab’s electric and green transport system is being expanded, with plans to introduce 1,500 additional green buses across the province. The service, she added, will eventually cover all 148 tehsils.
She noted that six green buses are already operational between Rajanpur and Mithan Kot, charging a subsidized fare of Rs20. The buses offer free Wi-Fi and mobile charging, while students, women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities will be eligible for free travel.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Maryam Nawaz said her administration aims to eliminate unpaved roads in Rajanpur and ensure that development projects continue across Punjab without discrimination.
In the health sector, she announced the establishment of 20 cardiac units province-wide, adding that 10,000 heart surgeries were conducted within a year, which she described as a major achievement.
Reaffirming her earlier statement, the chief minister said the land allocation program would be implemented throughout Punjab and claimed that the province’s socio-economic direction has improved significantly over the past two years. She criticized previous administrations, accusing them of depriving people of development and basic rights.
Turning to national politics, Maryam Nawaz strongly criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have begun questioning their leadership. She cited an incident in Peshawar where a student was allegedly dismissed as being linked to the opposition for raising a question.
She questioned PTI’s governance record, asking why Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has faced continued decline over the past 13 years, and argued that political slogans cannot replace basic facilities such as education, transport, and employment.
Commenting on political leadership, she alleged that while workers’ children face imprisonment, leaders’ families live abroad. Referring to the Bhati Gate incident, she said the tragedy deeply affected her and kept her awake at night, reflecting her concern over public safety and suffering.
