LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) President and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, along with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, met members of MPAs from Gujranwala Division on Wednesday to discuss ongoing development and public welfare projects in the province. The meeting included MPAs from Gujranwala, Narowal, and Sialkot districts.
The discussions focused on the overall political situation in the country, as well as future strategies for economic development and public welfare at both the national and provincial levels.
PMLN President Nawaz Sharif remarked, “The decline in inflation indicates economic improvement in the country.” He said, “The rise in the stock exchange reflects the confidence of the business and investment community. The acceleration in development projects is a sign of a positive change.”
He said, “It is reassuring that Pakistan has halted the decline it was previously experiencing. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is working tirelessly at the federal level, and Allah Almighty is blessing these efforts.”
Praising Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, Nawaz Sharif said, “She is more than just a chief minister—she is a true daughter of Punjab, working with the spirit of both a mother and a daughter.”
He emphasised, “Allah Almighty supports those who serve His creation with sincerity and hard work.”
The visiting MPAs commended Maryam Nawaz for initiating a record number of development and public welfare projects in Punjab. They told Nawaz Sharif, “Mian Sahib, you must be proud of a courageous and capable daughter like Maryam Nawaz.”
Expressing her gratitude, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, “As the daughter of Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, I feel a deep responsibility to continue their mission of public service.” She assured, “Through quality and efficiency in service delivery, we are upholding PM-N’s tradition of governance.” Senior party leaders, including Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Senator Pervez Rashid, Rana Sanaullah, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and Rashid Nasrullah, were also present.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in her message on Kashmir Solidarity Day, said, “Love for Kashmir runs in the blood of every Pakistani.”
She paid tribute to Kashmiri martyrs, saying, “We honour those who sacrificed their lives to keep the flame of self-determination burning.” She saluted the Kashmiri people, who have been resisting Indian oppression for more than seven decades, and condemned Indian brutality, noting, “Indian barbarity has turned the paradise-like valley into a prison.”
Maryam Nawaz urged the United Nations (UN) and other international organisations to intervene to stop human rights violations in Kashmir. She emphasised, “Until the Kashmir issue is resolved in accordance with UN resolutions, lasting peace in the region will remain a distant dream.” She asserted, “History proves that oppression never lasts. The sacrifices of the Kashmiri people will not go in vain. Pakistan will continue to provide diplomatic, political, and moral support to the Kashmiri cause.” She further vowed, “We will raise our voice for Kashmiris at every international forum. The dawn of freedom for Kashmiris is near.” The first-ever Kashmir Solidarity Day ceremony was held at Liberty Chowk, Lahore, under the auspices of the Information & Culture Department, titled “Kashmir Belongs to Us.”
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz lit the ‘Shama-i-Azadi’ (Flame of Freedom) and laid a floral wreath at the Kashmir Martyrs’ Memorial. A moment of silence was observed to honour Kashmiri martyrs, followed by prayers for their souls and the oppressed people of Kashmir.
The ceremony featured a ‘Picture Wall’ showcasing images of Kashmiri martyrs, while billboards of Kashmiri freedom fighters were displayed around Liberty Chowk. Symbolic jail bars were placed around the portraits of Kashmiri leaders and martyrs, highlighting their struggle. Additionally, panaflex banners illustrated the brutalities committed by Indian forces against innocent Kashmiris.
Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Prince Karim Aga Khan, paying tribute to his extensive social services.
Nawaz Sharif said, “It was with great shock and sorrow that I learnt this morning of the passing away of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili community.
Prince Karim Aga Khan was not only loved by the members of his community but was also respected the world over. His role in the promotion of education, health, social welfare and women empowerment, had earned him the gratitude and admiration of the entire country, where his many projects are spread all over.
He Said, “I had the great pleasure of meeting him on many occasions, but I especially recall the time I spent with him during his visit to Pakistan in December, 2013, when he was accompanied by his elegant daughter, Princess Zahra. Prince Karim Aga Khan also had the distinction of being the Grand Son of Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, who was one of the most prominent leaders in the Sub-Continent’s struggle for independence and freedom from colonial rule. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Aga Khan family, the Ismaili community, and all those who were touched by his extraordinary life and work. May he rest in peace. Ameen!”