Punjab growing, Maryam tells ADB team

LAHORE: Work on health, education, infrastructure, and information technology is progressing in full swing in Punjab.

This was stated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz while chairing a meeting with a delegation of alternate executive directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), including Noor Ahmed, Kiiko Takahashi, Alberto Cordon Borja, Moshumi Marufi Khan, Yong Yi, and Ehtesham Khattak, here on Thursday.

“Every aspect of public welfare is my priority. I want to take all measures for the welfare of people,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. She highlighted, “We are also working on price stabilisation and inflation control.”

The chief minister said, “After assuming power, it was evident that we are far behind in providing basic needs to the people.” She added, “Most cities lack proper waste management systems and landfill sites, although some cities have partial functionality.”

She continued, “We aim to establish sustainable and efficient waste management systems in every city, despite the challenge of implementing a comprehensive sewerage system for Punjab’s large population.”

Maryam Nawaz Sharif mentioned, “Matters related to filtration plants are being assigned to a single department.” She emphasised, “Attention is being given to the construction, repair, and rehabilitation of roads across the province.”

Regarding education, she stated, “The public sector education system needs an overhaul.” She explained, “We are categorising schools based on their performance, and teacher training and enrollment projects are underway.”

The Chief Minister informed the ADB delegation, “Up to 15,000 patients benefit daily from field hospitals, and free medicine is being delivered to 200,000 patients with serious illnesses at their doorsteps. Previously, the provision of free medicine was severely limited.” “For the first time, cardiology and paediatric treatment facilities are being introduced in the districts,” said Maryam Nawaz Sharif. “We aim to provide sufficient treatment facilities in every district so that no one needs to travel to other cities.”

She also announced, “An Air Ambulance Service is being launched for the emergency transfer of cardiology and other general patients to major hospitals in time.” Maryam Nawaz Sharif informed the delegates, “IT courses are being conducted in TEVTA for youth skill development, and companies from various countries, including China, are showing interest in Pakistan’s first IT city.”

She added, “Nawaz Sharif is making IT cities tax-free for 10 years, and we plan to build IT cities in other regions within the next five years on an urgent basis.”

The ADB delegation was also briefed on progress in shrimp farming and the introduction of a comprehensive Kisan Card for farmers. She said, “Projects are underway to harness solar energy, and clean energy initiatives, such as launching electric bikes for girls, are being pursued.”

Under the low-cost housing scheme in Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated, “Every common man will have his own home.” She added, “Special cards will be issued for special people.”

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) agreed to collaborate for the development and welfare of the people of Punjab. Kiiko Takahashi said, “Punjab has full support in its journey of development. It would be wonderful to see Pakistan prosper.” She emphasised, “We want to be Punjab’s partner in the journey of development and prosperity.”

Moshumi Marufi Khan expressed her excitement, “Seeing Maryam Nawaz Sharif as Chief Minister gave me a pleasant sensation of real change in Punjab. As a woman, Maryam Nawaz Sharif can understand and solve people’s problems in a better way.”

Chairing a meeting on matters pertaining to the launch of ‘Air Ambulance’ and ‘Emergency Services’, Maryam ordered the launch of the air ambulance service at the earliest and has fixed a deadline up to June in this regard. CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also granted an approval to launch the CPR Training Programme for the students.