Special police force to protect RUDA land, says Maryam

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered the establishment of a special police force to prevent encroachment of the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) land.

The chief minister made this announcement while chairing a special meeting to review the progress of RUDA projects and other ongoing development initiatives. She also instructed authorities to halt the illegal sale and purchase of land in the RUDA area.

Earlier, RUDA CEO Imran Amin briefed the chief minister on the progress of the authority’s projects. Maryam directed the relevant authorities to coordinate with China and other international organisations to ensure the timely completion of RUDA projects. She also reviewed the progress of the twin cities project and was informed about plans to increase forest cover in the RUDA area from 20 percent to 35 percent.

Himmat Card:

In a special initiative for differently-abled individuals, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the ‘Himmat Card’ in record time. The card will provide Rs10,500 every three months to 65,000 eligible beneficiaries.

The CM also announced that the Himmat Card will function as a travel card for differently-abled persons, granting them free travel on the Orange Line and Metro Buses in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi starting from October 15. In addition to financial assistance, hearing aids, wheelchairs, and artificial limbs will also be provided.

“I salute the differently-abled individuals for their resilience,” the CM said. She emphasised that the number of Himmat Cards will be increased beyond the initial 65,000, and those eligible can apply by writing to the CM’s Office.

During the launch ceremony, the chief minister personally distributed Himmat Cards to several beneficiaries. She also monitored the card activation process, mingled with the attendees, and showed affection towards the children present. The beneficiaries expressed their joy at Maryam Nawaz’s presence, with a child, Muhammad Azeem, presenting the CM with a pencil-drawn portrait as a token of gratitude.

Muhammad Azeem remarked, “The Himmat Card is a blessing for us. The Punjab government and the Social Welfare Department are supporting us, and we no longer feel alone.”The chief minister posed for a group photo with the differently-abled individuals and inspected the Himmat Card registration desk.

In her address, she said, “The Punjab government is offering Himmat Cards to differently-abled individuals who lack the means to earn a living. With this assistance, they will no longer be a burden on society or their families. We will also provide artificial limbs and other necessary support to improve their quality of life.”

She appreciated Minister Sohail Shoukat and the team behind the Himmat Card for their efforts in executing this initiative.In her speech, Maryam Nawaz highlighted the accomplishments of the PMLN government, emphasising that significant national progress occurred during its tenure.

The chief minister criticised the previous government’s inefficiency, pointing out that inflation had risen to 38 percent under its rule, compared to the current 6.9 percent. She stressed the importance of focussing on the needs of the people rather than creating chaos and unrest.

A documentary titled Hope and Success Journey was screened during the ceremony, showcasing various initiatives of the Punjab government, including the Himmat Card Project. Provincial Minister for Social Welfare Sohail Shaukat Butt also delivered a keynote address, highlighting the significance of the Himmat Card programme. The national anthem was presented in sign language for differently-abled children attending the event.

The proceedings were also translated into sign language for the benefit of the differently-abled attendees. Rana Muhammad Adeel from Gujrat was the first to receive the Himmat Card, which was officially activated by Maryam Nawaz.