CM Maryam inaugurates women safety App “Never Again”

Lahore:  Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif made big announcements for the women of Punjab in connection with the International Women’s Day and inaugurated the International Women Safety App “Never Again” to ensure the protection of the women.

The CM addressed the ceremony while making the women police officers and other officers standing beside her.

CM Maryam while addressing the ceremony organized by the Women Development Department announced to increase the job quota of the women in the Punjab Public Service Commission from 10 percent to 15 percent.

She directed to complete the induction of women on the vacant posts in every department. Maryam Nawaz revealed that Rs. 1 billion fund would be allocated to establish Day Care Centres at the work places adding that hostels will also be established for the working women.

A paid internship, she said, would be launched for the women.

“50 percent loans will be granted to the women for doing online business,” she announced.

The CM announced that the Board of Revenue would transfer the inheritance to the heirs after ascertaining the share of the daughters. The transfer fee would not be charged on gifting property to the sisters and daughters.

A new law, she said, would be framed for getting the maternity leave for the working women in three days.

A separate place and timings would be fixed for the women in the gymnasiums and stadiums, she said, adding that a separate place for offering prayer and separate place for washrooms will be allocated for the women in government institutions. Pink bikes will be given to the riders especially to the girls and legislation will also be made for their protection. The proportion of paying university fee for women will range from 50 to 70 percent.

The proportionate share of the women in the international scholarships will range from 50 to 70 percent. Industries will be restored for the promotion of handicrafts across Punjab. CM disclosed that a strict legislation will be undertaken to eradicate domestic employment for young girls across Punjab. She urged the parents to give confidence, trust and opportunities to the daughters. If a daughter or a sister wants to become an engineer or a doctor then she should be allowed to adopt these professions. An opportunity should be given to a daughter if she wants to study or play any game. Allah Almighty has bestowed upon me the distinction to become the first woman Chief Minister of Punjab. “The distinction of Chief Ministership not only belongs to me but to every mother, daughter and sister.”

This distinction goes to those men who want to see their woman advance forward in the practical fields.

“I wish that this tradition of assuming the office of the Chief Minister by a woman should continue.”

She appreciated that the Secretary Women Development Department has made excellent arrangements to celebrate the International Women’s Day.

Maryam said, “I believe that women’s day is not celebrated on 8 March only but 365 days of the whole year belong to the women. The women sitting at home who worked day and night without making any complaint are our real heroes. Every day belongs to them. I salute those working women who do hard work by transcending the glass ceiling and psychological barrier. I witnessed after coming from the CM office that all the three pilot officers are women. I felt overjoyed to see pilot officers Saba, Arosa and Asma and also had snaps with them,”.

She stated that CTO Amara Athar is an intelligent woman and she is playing a highly beneficial role to resolve traffic problems of Lahore. Women traffic wardens are leading our cavalcade.

 “I would like to paid tributes to SSP Anosh, ASP Sidra Khan and Shazia by calling them at the stage. The women are doing a wonderful job at every place and it gives me a sense of pride and pleasure,” she added.

 Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Minister Azma Bokhari, our MNAs and MPAs are all performing their duties in a praiseworthy manner.

“A woman in order to prove her worth has to work two times more than the men. I also had to work for 12 to 13 years in the PML-N and also faced the same problems. It is my message for every mother, sister and daughter that being a woman cannot impede the fulfilment of their dreams. I also take a lot of pride in all the women,” said the CM.

She said if the women especially girls wanted to attain higher education in a school, college or university than their families should provide them complete support and encouragement.

The government, she said, would provide full assistance in this regard.

“There is a great potential among the women which needs to be utilized for the national progress and prosperity,” said CM Maryam.

She also said that the mothers, fathers and brothers should make their daughters and sisters confident enough so that their daughters like sons can also earn a name and fame for their parents. The US Consul General Christine K. Hawkins especially participated in the ceremony.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Assembly Members, IG police, a large number of the lady officers of police department and the Punjab government were also present on the occasion.