Maryam orders urgent reforms at PIC

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to take urgent administrative measures to improve the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC).

The chief minister issued these instructions during her visit to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, on Tuesday.

The chief minister instructed authorities to expedite the completion of PIC 2 to ease patient congestion at the main PIC facility. She also directed officials to equip PIC 2 with the best modern machinery and labs. Maryam Nawaz also visited patients in the emergency ward, engaging with both patients and doctors, and instructed authorities to promptly address any concerns.

Earlier, the executive director of PIC briefed the chief minister on the hospital’s revamping plan and other issues. Maryam Nawaz directed the hospital administration to take strict action against corrupt elements causing difficulties for the public.

During a meeting with Belarus Ambassador Andrei N. Metelitsa, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz discussed strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in agriculture, trade and tourism. Trade Consular Ilya Kanapliou also attended the meeting. She said Punjab will soon have a local assembly plant for tractor production in collaboration with Belarus. Additionally, Belarus has offered assistance with the electric bus project in Punjab.

CM Maryam Nawaz said, “We aim to promote agriculture and other sectors in Punjab by partnering with Belarus. We are keen to benefit from Belarus’s expertise in agricultural machinery, especially tractor production, and to enhance trade relations between Pakistan and Belarus.”

Ambassador Metelitsa emphasized the importance of a trade corridor, stating, “A transit route for trade and a trade corridor through roads would benefit the region.” The ambassador also met with the ministers for agriculture and transport and president of the Bank of Punjab to develop a roadmap for enhancing bilateral trade.

Also, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met with MPAs Safdar Hussain Sahi and Muhammad Zubair Khan to discuss public issues and development needs in their constituencies. The current political situation and party affairs of PMLN were also discussed.

Maryam Nawaz also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of MNA Raana Ansar’s young son. The chief minister offered her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.