LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to introduce a monthly stipend for prayer leaders of 65,000 mosques across the province — a first-of-its-kind initiative in Pakistan’s history.
Presiding over the fifth consecutive meeting on law and order on Monday, the chief minister said that prayer leaders are highly respected members of society, and it is inappropriate for local communities to rely on donations to pay them. “The Punjab government will take responsibility for providing financial support to them to ensure their dignity and welfare,” she stated.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif was briefed that projects for the construction and renovation of mosques have been included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP). She directed that these projects be completed at the earliest and that all necessary measures be taken to maintain the sanctity and proper upkeep of mosques across Punjab.
On the chief minister’s directions, all connecting roads leading to Raiwind have been repaired and resurfaced ahead of the annual Tablighi Congregation. A special bus service will be operated to facilitate pilgrims, while foolproof security arrangements have been put in place for the event.
She also instructed deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners to personally visit prayer leaders in their respective areas to strengthen community engagement throughout the province.
It was further decided in the meeting that a cyber crime cell will be established in Punjab to curb the misuse of digital platforms. The chief minister also directed strict enforcement against the illegal use of loudspeakers.
Authorities informed the chief minister that Friday and daily congregational prayers are being held peacefully across the province. They said, “Mosques are the houses of Allah, and it is the duty of every Muslim to maintain their sanctity.”
Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasised that every responsible citizen must report any attempt to use mosques for subversive activities. Religious circles across Punjab lauded the initiative, terming it a historic and commendable step toward promoting religious harmony, respect for imams, and the preservation of mosque sanctity.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering moral and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). She underscored that the Kashmir issue is no longer confined to a single nation but has become a matter of global concern.
In her special message on Kashmir Black Day, observed in protest against India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir on October 27, she said, “The events of October 27 remain one of the darkest chapters in world history, a stain that continues to mar the face of Indian leadership.”
Maryam Nawaz Sharif highlighted that Pakistan had humbled India’s arrogance through Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsus, adding that the Indian leadership still bears the shame of that defeat and, therefore, avoids facing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
She stated that the recent acknowledgment by the president of the United States, who described Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal General Asim Munir as “great leaders,” represents another major diplomatic setback for India.
Reiterating Pakistan’s eternal bond with Kashmir, she said, “Kashmir and Pakistan are inseparable. Our Kashmiri brothers and sisters are not alone — we stand by them today and will continue to do so forever.” “The blood of countless innocent Kashmiris will never go in vain; the dawn of freedom will surely rise over occupied Kashmir,” she said.
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz chaired a special meeting to introduce e-Business Project, a key initiative of the government for paperless governance and digital transformation across Punjab. She directed the authorities concerned while expressing satisfaction over successful launch of the project that a two-week timeline should be strictly observed for all e-Business related processes. She also directed all related departments to provide NOCs and necessary approvals under one roof within stipulated timeframe to ensure swift facilitation for businesses in the province.
Chief Minister Punjab directed all stakeholders to review pending e-Business applications on weekly basis for prompt decisions. She further directed them to process cases within designated time limits. In order to accelerate progress on e- Business project, she directed Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to establish a special e-Business Cell, and added that dedicated assistance desks at Deputy Commissioners’ offices will be established to help such business persons who are unfamiliar with the digital systems.
The authorities concerned briefed Chief Minister Punjab that relevant departments and district administrations delivering quick decisions on e-Business applications will receive additional performance scores, and she will herself chair review meetings every 15 days to monitor progress. She noted,”Ending ‘Red Tape’ is my mission, e-Business will bring overnight change.” She said that eliminating bureaucratic hurdles and promoting transparency are the foremost priorities of Punjab government’s reform vision. She added thst there is no greater joy than ensuring that people receive their due rights.
Highlighting inefficiencies of the current system, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif noted that obtaining business NOCs used to take years, often discouraging entrepreneurs to make new business ventures in the province. She emphasized that Pakistan is a land full of opportunities and immense business potential, and in order to promote business activities, the government must fix systemic weaknesses and restore public trust in governance and other relevant institutions. She highlighted that the state must act as a nurturing mother for every citizen, adding that e-Business program will be a game-changer in rebuilding public confidence.
Chief Minister Punjab said,’Government exists to serve, not to obstruct. When genuine work becomes dependent on bribery or influence, it reflects utter failure of governance and this perception must end immediately.” She warned that negligence or corruption in e-Business system would be highly intolerable, adding that e-Business initiative’s success would be pursued on a war footing. Chairnan PITB briefed Chief Minister Punjab that e-Business Portal enables entrepreneurs to apply for and obtain NOCs from multiple government departments via online system. He further apprised that so far, the portal has received 2,878 applications, out of which 1,130 have been successfully approved through the digital system.
A British-Pakistani entrepreneur, Kashan, shared his experience of obtaining a business NOC within 24 hours, expressing his delight and gratitude to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and her team. He said,”Ordinary citizens could never imagine getting their work done so quickly. People even joked that I must have had the Chief Minister’s recommendation for getting my work done so briskly.”