Maryam announces sweeping reforms in every sector in Punjab – Pakistan

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Maryam Nawaz on Friday announced the Punjab government’s plan to modernise agriculture and bring reforms in the education system and healthcare sector in the province.

Addressing the Punjab National Assembly, she presented the results of 100 days of work of her government and promised sweeping changes in various sectors aimed at improving the situation of the people of the province.

“I cannot sum up what we have done in 100 days in one budget speech,” the Punjab chief minister added.

She announced funding for solar systems for tube wells, tractors and farm equipment to ensure the economic well-being of farmers. She added that the government will pay 70 percent of the price of the tractor and the farmer will have to pay the remaining 30 percent.

Maryam outlined her preferences for education sector reform, stating that she is providing milk to primary school students. The project will cost 27 billion rupees, she continued.

She announced the resumption of the laptop program started by Shehbaz Sharif for outstanding students and added that 300,000 students would be able to pursue IT training every year.

The American technology company Google would provide training to 300,000 children. The Punjab government has emphasized on skill development in schools, she maintained.

At the beginning of her speech, members of the opposition raised slogans, but she turned to the speaker and asked him not to pay attention to them.

Highlighting the budget for 2024-25, Maryam stated that it is Punjab’s first tax-free budget.

Regarding the health sector, she said hospitals in Punjab would be modernized.

The Punjab Chief Minister announced the resumption of free medicines to patients in hospitals, which was suspended by the previous regime. Free medicines will be provided to patients suffering from cancer, hepatitis and other diseases, she added

Maryam said that for the first time in history, the Punjab government will launch Himmat Card under which disabled people will donate wheelchairs.

The ‘Clinic on Wheels’ is the most important project of the Punjab government, Maryam said, adding that within a few weeks, 1.2 million people were receiving treatment at home.

She said that when she suspended doctors after the deaths of 13 babies, they went on strike. Nurses showed a similar reaction, she continued.

She warned doctors against taking stringent measures in the future.

She announced the construction of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital. Nawaz Sharif Cardiac Center has started providing services. Maryam said that two new ambulances will be provided, adding that health care will be provided every year for three years so that people do not have to travel to Lahore for treatment.

“Cardiology work will be available in every city; there will be a burn center in every city.”

The speaker later warned the “mischief thugs” that he would deal with them according to the constitution and adjourned the session until 2pm on Saturday.