CM Maryam pushes Blue Economy drive to turn barren land into shrimp export hub

• Punjab CM vows to convert idle land into high-value economic zones as major progress reported in Sargodha, Ali Wala, Shah Garh projects

• Hundreds of ponds, tube wells, infrastructure near completion with scientific shrimp farming model introduced for first time

• Project aims to create jobs, boost exports, revive unused land as CM hails rapid pace, eyes Punjab as aquaculture hub

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday reaffirmed her commitment to transforming barren lands across the province into productive economic zones under the Blue Economy Programme, saying the promotion of aquaculture and shrimp farming on international standards would generate employment, rehabilitate unused land and boost exports, according to a DGPR handout.

“Significant progress has been achieved in developing infrastructure for shrimp farming projects in Sargodha Estate, Ali Wala and Shah Garh,” the chief minister said, commending the team for expediting work, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

At the Sargodha shrimp farming project, excavation of 118 ponds has been completed, alongside the boring of 116 tube wells and 100 percent land clearing and survey over 365 acres. Construction of the warehouse is 90 percent complete, while work on the administration block and feed store is progressing rapidly. The project spans a total area of 500 acres.

In the Ali Wala shrimp estate, 90 percent of the allocated 1,267 acres has been cleared. Excavation of 642 out of 737 ponds has been completed, while 91 percent work on the drainage system and 100 percent excavation of MDC drains have been finalised. Survey and clearing of a 9,000-metre road network have been completed, along with 80 percent of earth-filling work. Foundations for the administration office, hostel, warehouse and labour residences have also been laid.

At the Shah Garh shrimp farm, development work is nearing completion, with 90 percent of water supply systems, 95 percent electrification and 97 percent construction of the access road completed. Experts have submitted their reports to the authorities.

Launched under the chief minister’s vision, the Blue Economy Programme aims to utilise idle lands across Punjab through modern, science-based shrimp farming — marking the province’s first government-backed initiative of its kind.

According to expert assessments, water temperature in the project areas has been found suitable for shrimp cultivation. The report added that shrimps are being provided 114 kilograms of feed daily, while supplements have shown encouraging results in improving both quality and yield to international standards.

Maryam Nawaz praised the pace of development and reiterated that the initiative would help transform Punjab into a hub of aquaculture.

CM pays tribute to martyred policewoman

In a related development, the chief minister paid tribute to Balochistan Police Lady Constable Malik Naz Baloch, who embraced martyrdom during an operation against militants in Khuzdar.

She said the brave officer had set an example of courage in the fight against terrorism.

“Shaheed Malik Naz proved that when a daughter of the nation stands firm, no force can defeat her,” she said, offering condolences and prayers for the bereaved family.

Chinese language key to global engagement: CM

Meanwhile, in her message on Chinese Language Day, Maryam Nawaz said the Chinese language had gained increasing global significance.

She noted that Chinese is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is spoken by approximately 1.25 billion people worldwide.

Highlighting China’s global role, she described its development as a model for the world and appreciated its contributions to peace, stability and economic growth.

The chief minister said learning Chinese could further strengthen ties between Pakistan and China, adding that Punjab Police personnel assigned to protect Chinese nationals are already being trained in the language.

She emphasised that proficiency in Chinese is vital for engaging with China’s market, understanding its culture and deepening bilateral relations.