Maryam launches mass wedding programme

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has inaugurated the ‘Punjab Dhi Rani’ Programme here on Monday.

Under the programme, the CM said that Rs100,000 would be given to each newly-married couple through ATM, adding that food would be served to 20 guests of each couple. She highlighted that necessary furniture, household utensils, clothes and other daily necessities will also be donated.

The CM said receipt of applications under the Punjab Dhi Rani Program for mass marriages has started, which can be submitted online at cmp.punjab.gov.pk. She added a dedicated helpline 1312 has also been established for the program. She underscored that for transparency in the programme, applicants will be verified at home by special teams.

The CM said, “Alhamdulillah, under the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ program, the construction of houses has begun across Punjab,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz while chairing a special meeting for a detailed briefing on the programme.

She said, “In a record period of just two months, the recipients of the first installment in Lahore, Kasur, and other districts have started the construction of their homes with great enthusiasm.”

The chief minister expressed her best wishes and prayers for the fortunate citizens building their homes under the program. She directed the authorities to ensure the timely release of the second loan installment and stated, “We are doing our best to ensure that no one is deprived of their rightful loan.”

She also highlighted, “In each district, the assistant commissioner has been appointed the focal person for the convenience of applicants.” Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, “I will personally monitor the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ programme through a dashboard.” She instructed Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin to oversee the programme’s field operations.

The chief minister was briefed by relevant authorities that “more than 550,000 people have approached the portal for the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ programme, and about 450,000 applications have been received.”

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Provincial Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin attended the meeting. Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Secretary Housing Asadullah Khan, Principal Secretary Sajid Zafar Dal, DG PHATA Saif Anwar Jappa, and other relevant officials were also present.

The CM Minister Maryam Nawaz has congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and all stakeholders on the passage of the 26th constitutional amendment. “This is not just an amendment, but a protective wall to prevent any ‘damn fool’ from arbitrarily violating the dignity of the Constitution, pParliament, elected governments, and institutions,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, while congratulating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, all leaders, democratic forces, coalition parties, and the people on the approval of the 26th constitutional amendment.

She said, “President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Bilawal Bhutto, Maulana Fazlur Rahman, and other leaders prioritised the interests of the state and the people over politics, granting Parliament its due right to supremacy and sovereignty.”

The chief minister said, “The 26th amendment is a historic symbol of the unity among democracy’s friends and the defenders of the Constitution.” She continued, “The parties that created the 1973 Constitution have once again played a historic role in making it more effective, better, and stronger.”

She emphasised that “the amendment, along with opposition input, reflects public opinion, which will enhance the dignity, reputation, and integrity of democracy.” Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, “In light of the Charter of Democracy, this people-centric amendment will bring relief to Pakistan and its citizens.” She said, “As a result of this constitutional amendment, only those judges who uphold the Constitution and the rights of the people will be appointed.” She stressed, “Eliminating a handful of disruptive individuals is crucial for the nation’s survival.”

She also said, “The judiciary will be freed from those who undermine the mandate and position of elected prime ministers with the sword of convenience and necessity.” She said, “For the first time, the judiciary itself will be strengthened as an institution against those who destroy democracy and elected governments in the dead of night, improving the judiciary’s reputation and washing away the stains in our history.”

Maryam said, “The transparent appointment of competent judges on merit will guarantee the independence of the judiciary and the protection of the Constitution.” She said, “The welfare of the people and the goal of delivering justice without delay will be achieved.” She honoured “A salute to the political vision of the late Benazir Bhutto and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.”

She praised the efforts of “Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Syed Khurshid Shah, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar, Kamran Murtaza, and all members of the constitutional amendment team.”

She said, “The 26th constitutional amendment is a clear message that the voice of the people must be the loudest.” She emphasised, “This amendment was essential for the supremacy of Parliament,” and added, “With its approval, Parliament has regained its full constitutional authority and dignity.”

The chief minister said, “The amendment will ensure justice is served promptly and visibly.” She said, “The 26th Amendment will make Pakistan an exemplary democracy on the global stage.”

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz remarked, “With the passage of the 26th constitutional amendment, the chapter of positive reforms in the judicial system has been opened.” She said, “I welcome the abolition of interest provision.” She underscored, “The judiciary has been made independent and strengthened, ensuring public access to justice.”