CM Maryam enumerates major achievements as Punjab delivers on key promises

• Punjab CM says 150,000 houses under construction to shelter the homeless, 1,100 electric buses on roads, with 1,500 more to roll out

• Says 20m patients treated through field hospitals and mobile clinics, while world’s largest solid waste project created 150,000 jobs

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday expressed gratitude and humility, saying she was thankful to Almighty Allah for enabling the provincial government to deliver on key commitments made to the people.

She said the pledge to provide shelter to the homeless was being honoured, with nearly 150,000 houses currently under construction. The chief minister added that the promise to introduce the world’s most modern electric buses had materialised, noting that 1,100 electric buses are already operational, while 1,500 more will be added to the fleet.

Highlighting progress in healthcare, she said the commitment to deliver medical services at people’s doorsteps was being fulfilled, as over 20 million patients have benefited from field hospitals and Clinics on Wheels. She added that work had begun on metro bus projects in Faisalabad and Gujranwala, fulfilling the promise to expand mass transit to two major cities.

The chief minister said the launch of what she described as the world’s largest solid waste management project in Punjab had created employment for around 150,000 people, while ensuring cleanliness in rural areas for the first time.

She noted that one lakh laptops have been distributed among students, while thousands of deserving students are receiving Honhaar scholarships. She added that elderly patients no longer have to stand in queues for medicines, as patients suffering from cancer, cardiac diseases, hepatitis and tuberculosis are now receiving two months’ supply of medicines at home.

Maryam Nawaz said that 3,000 basic health units have been upgraded into health clinics, while cardiac treatment facilities are now available at the district level, with cath labs established in district hospitals where angiography and angioplasty services have commenced. She added that more than 10,000 children with congenital heart diseases have undergone surgeries, eliminating the waiting list.

On law and order, the chief minister said the situation had improved significantly with the establishment of CCD and PAFD, a reduction of up to 70 per cent in crime, and the complete clearance of riverine (katcha) areas for the first time.

She added that virtual police stations have been set up and panic buttons installed to enhance women’s safety, fulfilling the commitment to protect every daughter of Punjab.

The chief minister further said that employment and business opportunities are expanding through the Asaan Karobar Card and various finance schemes, resulting in the launch of new businesses and the provision of more than 109,000 jobs across the province.