Spend money on people instead of invading other provinces, Maryam to KP govt

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday advised the KP government to spend money on people of the province instead of invading other provinces.

She said, “If KPK is ours then Punjab also belongs to them. People from KPK are doing business in every city of Punjab. Those invading Punjab are in fact attacking their own people.”

She was addressing an event to launch a special initiative for differently-abled individuals, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday launched the ‘Himmat Card’ in a record time. The card will provide Rs10,500 every three months to 65,000 eligible beneficiaries.

The CM said, “I invite the people to think that the country only progresses during the tenure of PML-N. The grievances of the poor and deserving are redressed during the tenure of PML-N. The national economy also progresses during the tenure of PML-N. Rrupee become stables and price-hike comes down during the tenure of PML-N.” She said “Owing to criminal negligence of inefficient and inept rulers during the last 4-5 years, inflation reached up to 38 percent. Today, the percentage of inflation has come down to 6.9 percent. During the previous tenure, a bread’s price was Rs25, but today it’s Rs.14-15.”

She said, “In KP, the price of bread has gone up to Rs.25 and no one cares about it. I am first Pakistani and then Punjabi. My heart also beats for the people of KP and other provinces. Those who stop others from doing constructive work and indulge into spreading anarchy and chaos are in fact mentally paralyzed.” The CM also announced that the Himmat Card will function as a travel card for differently-abled persons, granting them free travel on the Orange Line and Metro Buses in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi starting from October 15. In addition to financial assistance, hearing aids, wheelchairs and artificial limbs will also be provided.

She emphasized that the number of Himmat Cards will be increased beyond the initial 65,000, and those eligible can apply by writing to the CM’s Office. During the launch ceremony, the chief minister personally distributed Himmat Cards among several beneficiaries. In her address, she said, “The Punjab government is offering Himmat Cards to differently-abled individuals who lack the means to earn a living. With this assistance, they will no longer be a burden on the society or their families. We will also provide artificial limbs and other necessary support to improve their quality of life.”

In her speech, Maryam Nawaz highlighted the accomplishments of the PMLN government, emphasizing that significant national progress occurred during its tenure.

A documentary titled Hope and Success Journey was screened during the ceremony, showcasing various initiatives of the Punjab government, including the Himmat Card Project.

Provincial Minister for Social Welfare Sohail Shaukat Butt also delivered a keynote address, highlighting the significance of Himmat Card programme. The proceedings were also translated into sign language for the benefit of differently-abled attendees. Rana Muhammad Adeel from Gujrat was the first to receive the Himmat Card, which was officially activated by Maryam Nawaz.

Meanwhile, the CM has ordered the establishment of a special police force to prevent encroachment of the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) land. The chief minister made this announcement while chairing a special meeting to review the progress of RUDA projects and other ongoing development initiatives. She also instructed authorities to halt the illegal sale and purchase of land in the RUDA area. Earlier, RUDA CEO Imran Amin briefed the chief minister on the progress of the authority’s projects.

Maryam directed the relevant authorities to coordinate with China and other international organisations to ensure the timely completion of RUDA projects. She also reviewed the progress of the twin cities project and was informed about the plans to increase the forest cover in the RUDA area from 20 per cent to 35 per cent.

A documentary film titled “Hope and Success Journey” was presented in the launching ceremony of Himat Card. The documentary film was being presented by the Bank of Punjab in order to highlight various constructive steps of the Punjab government including Himat Card Project. Provincial Minister for Social Welfare Sohail Shaukat Butt apprised about the Himat Card Program in his key note address. The national anthem was also presented for the differently-abled children in their sign language during the ceremony.