Highlights

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29/04/24
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Inaugurates Kids’ Day Care Center at Children's Hospital Lahore

Punjab Government is committed to provide quality healthcare services to the people,” said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif while inaugurating a Kids’ Day Care Center at Children's Hospital Lahore. She directed the relevant authorities to build a new ICU unit in Children's Hospital, and directed to ensure timely release of funds for its early completion.

Madam Chief Minister said,”Every penny is a trust of the nation, it will be spent transparently on the improvement of healthcare facilities.” She added,”We want to build the best hospital for people in every district.”

Madam Chief Minister vowed,”Shortage of doctors in remote area hospitals would be catered to.” She also reviewed a proposal to build Children's Hospital at the Divisional Headquarters and link them with the Children's Hospital Lahore. She directed the provincial ministers to visit the hospital on daily basis.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also witnessed signing of an MoU between Islamic Aid UK and University of Child Health Sciences for the establishment of a college block. Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, VC Dr. Masood Sadiq and Chairman Islamic Aid Mahmoodul Hasan signed the MoU. Madam Chief Minister thanked Islamic Aid for their cooperation and support.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also visited the day care center and reviewed the facilities available there. She loved the children and offered them flowers. Madam Chief Minister directed the day care center staff to take good care of the children. She also posed for a photo with the staff.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also visited the Children's Endocrinology Ward, and the newborn ward to interact with the parents of the children under treatment there. She loved the little children, and prayed for their speedy recovery. She inquired about the provision of medical facilities and free medicines from the parents, and directed the MS to solve their problems immediately.

A mother of a sick child said while talking to the Chief Minister,”I am very happy to meet you madam.” Madam Chief Minister talked to doctors and nurses, and listened to their suggestions.

Earlier, Madam Chief Minister was briefed that the education and research facilities related to children's health will be provided to medical students in the new college block.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information & Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Khawaja Imran Nazir, Minister for Specialized Health Care Khawaja Salman Rafiq, MPA Sania Ashiq and Dr. Adnan Khan attended the meeting. Secretary Health Ali Jan, Secretary Information Ahmed Aziz Tarar, Vice-Chancellor University of Child Health Sciences Professor Dr. Masood Sadiq, Chairman Islamic Aid London Mahmood ul Hasan and other relevant officers were also present in the meeting.
29/04/24
Government of Punjab Unveils Comprehensive Initiatives in Upcoming Budget

The Government of Punjab is set to announce a series of strategic initiatives in the upcoming budget to empower farmers, laborers, and students. Key measures include salary increments for employees, deployment of solar systems to reduce electricity expenses, and provision of complimentary electricity units. The phased rollout will offer 100 free units initially, followed by 200 units and 300 units in subsequent phases. Additionally, a substantial allocation of Rs. 4 billion will be dedicated to supporting farmers, alongside addressing the legitimate demands of labor unions. Efforts to stimulate employment opportunities and mitigate inflation will also be prioritized, alongside the introduction of an enhanced municipal service system.

These developments were unveiled by Punjab Finance Minister and Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, during his address at the Labor Convention organized by Lahore Municipal Corporation. Minister Shuja-ur-Rehman underscored the government's unwavering commitment to prioritize the welfare of citizens, including government employees, laborers, and those in need. He highlighted the proactive implementation of the Ramzan Relief Package initiated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, providing essential rations to 6.5 million households without discrimination. Notably, the government has also reduced the price of flour by up to Rs. 40 per kilo, in addition to adjustments in the prices of bread and naan, with stringent market inspections to ensure compliance.

Under the astute leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the province has witnessed positive economic trends, with reports from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank confirming a decrease in inflation rates by 4 to 5 percent across federal and provincial governments. Minister Shuja-ur-Rehman criticized previous claims of fiscal prudence, highlighting a historical increase in borrowing over the past 70 years, resulting in unemployment. He assured that the government, whenever in power, is committed to addressing the needs of its citizens.

Reflecting on his political journey, Minister Shuja-ur-Rehman shared his humble beginnings from Jinnah Hall as a counselor to his current position as a provincial minister, attributing his success to a dedication to public service and the trust bestowed upon him by the leadership. He pledged to prioritize the resolution of labor union issues.

Notable attendees at the convention included MPA Ghazali Butt, Mayor Lahore, Deputy Mayor Chaudhry Bilal, Chairman Labor Union Mahboob Bhatti, and President Munir Taka Khan.
24/04/24
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Approves "Apni Chhat... Apna Ghar” Project for Homeless Low-Income People

“Construct the best houses at minimum cost near cities,” said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif while approving "Apni Chhat... Apna Ghar (Own Roof…Own Home)" project. She was chairing a special meeting on the construction of model low-cost houses for the homeless low-income segment of society.

Madam Chief Minister also directed to consult Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners to get best of the best maps for these houses.

Earlier, the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was briefed that 519 kanals of state land have been identified in five major cities including Lahore for the construction of low-cost houses for the homeless low-income people.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Senator Pervaiz  Rashid, Information & Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari and MPA Sania Ashiq attended the meeting. Chief Secretary, SMBR, Chairman P&D, Secretary Housing, Secretary Finance, Commissioner Lahore and other relevant officers were also present in the meeting.
23/04/24
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Meets Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi and First Lady Jamila Alamul Huda at Governor House

“We want to take Pak-Iran bilateral cooperation in the fields of agriculture and industry to new heights,” said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in her meetings with the Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi and First Lady Jamila Alamul Huda in Governor’s House. She added,” The history of Pakistan-Iran friendship spans over decades.”

Madam Chief Minister highlighted,” Punjab has excellent investment opportunities in the environment-friendly green energy sector.” She said,” We are willing to work with Iran on economic projects to eradicate poverty.”

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said,” We will also welcome Iran's investment in Punjab's value-added livestock market.” She added,” Both countries can earn a lot of foreign exchange by establishing FMD zones to export halal meat.”

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif warmly welcomed the Iranian President and other members of his delegation on their visit to Lahore. A lunch was also hosted in their honor, where the Iranian guests were entertained with the traditional food.

Madam Chief Minister thanked Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi and First Lady Jamila Alamul Huda for their visit to Lahore. She also congratulated them on the 45th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, and prayed for the peace and prosperity of the people of Iran.

The Iranian President and the First Lady thanked Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the warm welcome.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb,  Senator Pervaiz  Rashid,  Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rahman, Minister for Secondary Healthcare and Medical Education Khawaja Salman Rafiq, Minister for Food Bilal Yasin, Minister for Industries Chaudhry Shafey Hussain, Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Iranian Consul General in Lahore Mehran Mawahid Far and other relevant officers attended the meetings.
22/04/24
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif to Give 1 KV Solar Systems to 50,000 Households in Punjab

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a special meeting on “Light without Electricity Bill: Chief Minister’s Roshan Punjab Program” to have a detailed briefing on technical issues of 1 kilowatt solar system for the domestic consumers. She said,” Roshan Punjab Program aims to free the poor man from expensive electricity.”

Approving the grant of 1KV solar systems to 50,000 households in Punjab, Madam Chief Minister directed to start the pilot project immediately, in order to evaluate their efficiency. She said,” Protected consumers consuming up to 100 units of electricity will be eligible under the Program in the first phase.” She added,” In 1 KV system, two solar panels, battery, inverter, and wires will be provided to the consumer.”

Earlier, Madam Chief Minister was briefed that 1 KV solar system can run fans, lights, small motors etc. Up to 16 hours of charging backup can be achieved through the lithium iron battery. Madam Chief Minister directed to install the solar system of the latest technology. She emphasized on the need to use the best quality solar plates, inverter, batteries and other accessories. Madam Chief Minister said,” The scope of solar systems for domestic consumers will be extended gradually.”

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, MPA Sania Ashiq, Chief Secretary, Chairman P&D, Secretaries Energy, Finance, Chief Executive Officer PPDCL, Managing Director PPDB and other relevant officers attended the meeting.