UN delegation, CM Punjab agree to cooperate in various fields

Lahore: The United Nations delegation met Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz in which it was agreed to further increase cooperation in various fields.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was met by a 22-member delegation led by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan Muhammad Yahya, including the local heads of the UN subsidiaries.

In the meeting, it was agreed to further increase cooperation in education, health, agriculture and other sectors. The ongoing development projects with the cooperation of United Nations organizations were also discussed. Chief Minister Maryam informed about education and health sector reforms and government policy.

Maryam Nawaz said that the agriculture of Punjab has full potential to change the economy of Pakistan. The improvement and reforms in every sector are the priorities. ‘I will try to solve every public problem and matter on a priority basis’.

She stated that the people will soon benefit from the results of the reforms. For service delivery and good governance, the grading system of officers is being implemented for the first time and also fulfills the target of building 0.1 million houses with the cooperation of UN institutions.

The Chief Minister of Punjab added, “Despite the obstacles, I consider it an honor to be the Chief Minister. Seeing the deprived economy and poor people, I keep thinking of strengthening them financially. I want to see every woman of Punjab financially independent and happy. The common focus of the project and our priorities is public service”.

She further said that they are building a tax-free garment city in Punjab where women will be given free training and scholarships for six months. They are bringing the best waste management system for the first time in every city of Punjab. Nawaz Sharif IT City will be made the Silicon Valley of Pakistan.

Maryam Nawaz also stated that they are developing a system of providing complete health facilities in all districts. For the first time in Pakistan the air ambulance service will start from Punjab. They are building the first public sector cancer hospital in Lahore, 2500 basic health centers, 300 rural health centers, and major hospitals are being revamped.

She continued to say that free medicines are being delivered to the doorsteps of citizens suffering from deadly diseases for two months, free meals are being given in schools for children's nutrition, and interest-free loans and machinery will also be given to small farmers. The farms in villages will be supported for livestock development.

The Punjab Chief Minister further added that she is trying to eliminate gender disparity. The first virtual police station has been established for women. The development of not only Lahore but every city in Punjab is the priority.

The head of the UN team Muhammad Yahya said that he was eager to see Lahore, the people of Punjab are impressive, and they will fully support the government of Punjab in the mission of serving the people.

Representative UNDP Samuel said that the welfare project of Pakistan, especially Punjab, is commendable.