Maryam Nawaz unveils reforms plan for Punjab

Lahore: Punjab Chief Maryam Nawaz on Friday unveiled the Punjab government's plans to modernize agriculture, reform the education system, and improve the health sector in the province.

Maryam Nawaz highlighted the government's achievements over the past 100 days and outlined future initiatives aimed at uplifting the people of Punjab.

She was addressing the Punjab Assembly on Friday.

“It is impossible for me to summarize what we have done in 100 days in one budget speech," the Punjab Chief Minister remarked.

She announced funding for solar systems for agricultural tube-wells, as well as tractors and farm equipment to boost farmers' economic well-being. The government will cover 70 percent of the cost of a tractor, with the farmer responsible for the remaining 30 percent.

Maryam emphasized her commitment to education reform, including the provision of milk to primary school students, a project costing Rs27 billion. She also announced the relaunch of the laptop scheme initiated by Shehbaz Sharif, which will provide IT training to 300,000 students annually. Additionally, Google will offer training to 300,000 children, with a focus on skill development in schools.

Despite opposition members raising slogans during her speech, Maryam continued undeterred, addressing the speaker and urging him to ignore the interruptions.

In highlighting the 2024-25 budget, she noted that it was the first tax-free budget for Punjab.

Regarding the health sector, Maryam announced upgrades to hospitals across the province. The government will resume the delivery of free medicine to patients in hospitals, including those suffering from cancer, hepatitis, and other diseases.

For the first time in history, the Punjab government will launch the Himmat Card, providing wheelchairs to disabled individuals. The "clinic on wheels" initiative has already treated 1.2 million people at their doorsteps in just a few weeks.

Maryam also addressed recent controversies in the health sector, warning doctors of strict actions in the future after suspending several following the death of 13 infants.

She announced the construction of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital and mentioned that the Nawaz Sharif Cardiac Centre is now operational, with plans to provide it with two new ambulances. Her goal is to ensure health facilities are available in every city within three years, reducing the need for travel to Lahore for treatment.

“Cardiology facilities and burn centers will be available in every city,” she declared.

Following her speech, the speaker warned the "miscreants" and adjourned the session until 2 pm on Saturday.