CM Maryam directs swift resolution of public issues in meeting with Mandi Bahauddin MPAs

• Punjab CM vows swift resolution of public issues, reaffirms PML-N's commitment to deliver on promises

• Directs authorities to address issues raised by MPAs from Mandi Bahauddin without delay

• Pledges to equip youth with modern technology and vocational skills on World Youth Skills Day

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday reaffirmed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had consistently honoured the commitments made to the people with the blessings of Almighty Allah, while directing the relevant authorities to ensure the prompt resolution of public issues highlighted by elected representatives and reiterating her government's commitment to accelerating development and youth empowerment across the province.

The chief minister expressed these views during a meeting with Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) Khalid Mehmood Ranjha and Chaudhry Akhtar Abbas Bosal from Mandi Bahauddin.

The meeting reviewed public issues, the prevailing political situation and other matters of mutual interest. The lawmakers also briefed the chief minister on the needs and concerns of residents in provincial constituencies PP-42 and PP-43.

Taking notice of the issues raised during the meeting, Maryam Nawaz directed the authorities concerned to ensure their prompt resolution, emphasizing that addressing people's problems remained the foremost priority of her government.

The MPAs appreciated the launch of the electric bus service in Mandi Bahauddin and commended the chief minister's initiatives for the beautification of both major cities and smaller towns across Punjab.

Responding to their appreciation, Maryam Nawaz announced that additional electric buses would be introduced not only in Mandi Bahauddin but also in other districts of the province to further strengthen environmentally friendly public transport facilities.

She reiterated that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz had always fulfilled the promises made to the people with the blessings of Almighty Allah and remained committed to serving the public through practical measures and development-oriented policies.

Highlighting the government's infrastructure agenda, the chief minister said the construction and expansion of more than 32,000 kilometres of roads would significantly boost economic and commercial activity across Punjab by improving connectivity and facilitating business and trade.

She further said the international recognition earned by the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme, the Safe City initiative and the Suthra Punjab campaign reflected the provincial government's commitment to transparency, efficient governance and public welfare.

 CM Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Skills Development

In a separate message on World Youth Skills Day, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed her government's resolve to equip Punjab's youth with modern technology and professional skills, urging young people to pursue careers in freelancing, information technology and technical professions to contribute to the country's progress.

She described young people as the nation's greatest asset and the architects of its future, stressing that only a technologically skilled and professionally trained workforce could drive sustainable economic growth and national prosperity.

The chief minister said the Punjab government had allocated substantial financial resources to promote skills development and entrepreneurship among young people.

She noted that more than 108,000 individuals had benefited from the Asaan Karobar and Asaan Finance schemes, under which interest-free loans ranging from Rs1 million to Rs3 million were being provided to young entrepreneurs to help establish and expand businesses.

Maryam Nawaz said that under the Agriculture Internship Programme, 2,000 young people were receiving a monthly stipend of Rs60,000, enabling them to gain practical experience while supporting the agricultural sector.

She added that vocational training institutes across Punjab were offering internationally aligned courses in technology, construction, masonry, welding, tile fixing and heavy vehicle maintenance to prepare young people for employment opportunities both at home and abroad.

The chief minister further said that 10,000 young people from across the province had been facilitated with employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries in accordance with international labour market requirements.

For the first time in Punjab, she added, e-commerce, digital marketing and advanced information technology courses had been incorporated into the curriculum to equip the younger generation with skills relevant to the rapidly evolving digital economy.

Highlighting the government's focus on women's economic empowerment, Maryam Nawaz said the Sehar Programme was providing 5,365 women across the province with training in beautification, hospitality and airline management. Participants in the programme were also being provided free laptops along with a monthly stipend of Rs7,500, enabling them to acquire market-oriented skills and improve their employment prospects.

Reaffirming her government's commitment to inclusive development, the chief minister said empowering the youth through education, technology and vocational training would remain a cornerstone of Punjab's long-term development strategy, ensuring greater economic opportunities and sustainable prosperity for future generations.