- Information minister lauds CM Maryam Nawaz’s one-year performance as people-centric
- Says 90 flagship projects move from planning to execution from electric transport, housing to business cards and reforms
- Claims law and order improved with tech-driven police operations while welfare, health and youth-focused initiatives gain momentum
LAHORE: Highlighting a year marked by development, public welfare and administrative reforms, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari on Tuesday said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab has set new benchmarks of good governance, transparency and people-centric planning, with the provincial government’s annual performance reflecting strong public trust.
Azma Bokhari said that Maryam Nawaz Sharif initiated 90 flagship projects in one year which not only moved beyond paperwork to practical implementation, but are also directly benefiting the public. She said that the inclusive policy of engaging every segment of society—farmers, students, workers, youth and women—has placed Punjab ahead of other provinces on the development trajectory.
The Information Minister said that electric buses, Green Buses, electric bikes, Suthra Punjab, Apni Chhat Apna Ghar, Asaan Karobar Card and the Kissan Card are flagship programmes of Maryam Nawaz Sharif that have opened new avenues of convenience, employment, education, transport, environmental improvement and economic progress. Owing to these initiatives, she said, Punjab today enjoys a clear edge over other provinces in services, reforms and sustainable development.
Azma Bokhari said that Sohail Afridi is a respected guest and the Punjab government upholds its tradition of hospitality, political decency and respect. However, she said seriousness and responsibility should have been reflected in his statements and conduct, which, regrettably, was not observed. She added that the government believes in positive politics and practical performance, not in allegations, misinformation and irresponsible remarks.
She expressed these views while addressing a press conference at the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) on the annual performance of the Punjab government. She said that as the year 2025 draws to a close, it has proven to be a year of development, public welfare and political stability for Punjab. She added that the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif received appreciation at national and international levels, further strengthening the province’s positive image.
Azma Bokhari said that the law and order situation in Punjab improved significantly, with effective operations carried out against criminal groups and drug trafficking networks. To enhance police capacity, she said, modern equipment including drones, anti-drone systems, thermal devices and operational vehicles were provided to ensure personnel safety.
She said that for the first time in Punjab, drone technology is being used for rapid access to crime scenes, evidence collection and operational support, while special armoured vehicles have been procured for operations in Kacha areas. She added that operations would continue until the complete clearance of criminal hideouts in the region.
The Information Minister said that under the Suthra Punjab Programme, Lahore’s old waste depot at Lakhodair is being converted into a Waste-to-Energy Zone, where a 50-megawatt power plant will be installed, marking the province’s first major step towards energy generation from waste. She said initial data showed a notable improvement in sanitation and an active waste management infrastructure.
She stated that the completion of 126,000 houses so far under the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar project, along with a steadily rising number of ongoing constructions, stands as strong evidence of the government’s commitment to social welfare. Special priority, she said, has been given to widows, minorities and low-income citizens.
Azma Bokhari said that Punjab’s transport infrastructure is entering a new phase, with the Orange and Red Line projects in Faisalabad and the announcement of linking Gujranwala to the metro network set to bring significant improvement in urban mobility.
She further said that under the Asaan Karobar scheme, interest-free loans worth billions of rupees were disbursed within six months, with women and youth being major beneficiaries. She added that laptops and scholarships are being distributed to students, 1,500 electric buses are operational across Punjab, Rs 250 billion has been provided under the Kissan Card, while Green Tractors and Super Seeders have been distributed to farmers.
The Information Minister said that the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital will begin services in January, while work has commenced on the Sargodha Cardiology Hospital, which will soon be inaugurated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. She added that these initiatives are rapidly expanding employment opportunities and small businesses across the province.
She said that the inauguration of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital, Sargodha Cardiology Hospital, District Medical Facility Lahore, and new burn units in Rahim Yar Khan and Narowal will lay the foundation of a new health policy, while 4,300 successful paediatric heart surgeries represent a historic milestone in Punjab’s healthcare sector.
Azma Bokhari reiterated that hospitality is a proud tradition of Punjab and ministers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were welcomed with dignity; however, some non-serious remarks and inappropriate language caused regret.
Responding to questions, she said that misbehaviour, scuffles and indecent language in the Punjab Assembly tarnished the democratic environment, while the government exercised restraint and decorum at all levels.
She said that the scrutiny committee of Journalist Housing Society Phase Two is completing its work, after which allotment letters will be issued by the Chief Minister. She also condemned the unpleasant incident involving journalists and said that the dignity and protection of the media remain the government’s priority.
