Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari highlights Maryam Nawaz’s achievements

Provincial Minister for Information Azma Bukhari praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s exceptional service to the people of Punjab, asserting that her efforts in the past 10 months were unparalleled. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Azma presented a detailed “report card” highlighting the key achievements of Maryam Nawaz during her tenure as Chief Minister.

Azma Bukhari emphasised that 2024 would conclude with positive news for the public, citing improvements in key areas such as the stock exchange, which has experienced a bullish trend, and inflation, which remains between 4% and 5%. She remarked that Maryam Nawaz’s first year in office has been significant, not just for her, but also for the people of Punjab.

“She has proven that leadership is about delivering results, not about the number of terms served,” Azma stated, while also addressing challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in Kurram and Parachinar. She urged the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to restore law and order in these regions.

Among the key accomplishments, Azma Bukhari highlighted the provision of Ramazan packages to 6.4 million families in Punjab. For the first time in history, the price of roti (bread) has been fixed, and Maryam Nawaz launched air ambulances, despite criticism from political opponents. Additionally, 27,000 students were provided electric bikes, and the number has now increased to 100,000. Scholarships were awarded to 50,000 students, and Rs54 billion relief was provided to consumers on electricity bills.

The minister also noted the launch of a nutrition program for children suffering from malnutrition and the reorganisation of schools to improve education standards. She mentioned efforts to combat cheating in examinations by targeting the mafia responsible for unfair practices.

Looking ahead, Azma Bukhari outlined several future initiatives, including providing youth loans for shrimp farming, a sector that has the potential to generate significant foreign exchange for the country. The “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” housing scheme, offering loans of up to Rs1.5 million for home construction, is also gaining traction, with hundreds of houses being built under the program.

Azma also highlighted the ongoing establishment of an IT city in Punjab, as well as plans to construct a 1,000-bed cancer hospital in Lahore, named after Nawaz Sharif, with an investment of Rs54 billion. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with China for this purpose. Furthermore, over 500 children have already undergone heart surgeries, and financial assistance is being provided to special children in Punjab.

In agriculture, the launch of the Rs30 billion Kissan (farmer) Card program and the distribution of 9,500 tractors under the Green Tractor Scheme were significant steps. The Livestock Card has also been introduced to allow rural women to purchase livestock.

Azma Bukhari further mentioned the establishment of a model fish market in Lahore, the first smog tower to combat environmental degradation, and the setting up of a vegetable market near Kala Shah Kaku. Under the “Dhe Rani” program, household items are being provided as wedding gifts to girls, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally attending weddings to present these gifts.