CPEC, other projects: Punjab Apex Committee lays emphasis on foreign nationals’ security

LAHORE: The Punjab Apex Committee, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, convened on Tuesday to deliberate on security measures for tri-border areas, aiming to break the nexus of crime, illegal activities, and terrorism.

The meeting also emphasised the security of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens working on CPEC and non-CPEC projects.

The committee reviewed the province’s overall security situation, including actions taken to address multifaceted threats through joint intelligence-based operations (IBOs). A comprehensive security plan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy was also presented, with a special focus on ensuring the safety of foreign nationals.

The forum commended law enforcement agencies and security forces for their relentless efforts and sacrifices for the nation’s peace. Additionally, the need for madrassa registration, regulating loudspeaker use, and expelling illegal foreign nationals to maintain peace in the province was underscored.

The forum was briefed on the capacity building of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Punjab Police, and the expansion of the Punjab Safe City Project to all districts. The committee reaffirmed its joint resolve to work in synergy to ensure public safety and well-being.

Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz launched MRI services in district hospitals across Punjab under a public-private partnership model. The initiative aims to improve healthcare services by outsourcing MRI facilities in selected districts.

Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed to initiate MRI services in Sheikhupura and Bahawalnagar at a cost of Rs. 39.92 crore.

Installation in Sheikhupura’s District Headquarters Hospital has been completed, while Bahawalnagar’s facility will follow shortly.

Maryam said, “Under the outsourcing model, quality MRI facilities will be provided in various districts across Punjab. This will enable early diagnosis of complex diseases.”

‘Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic’ Initiative:

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the ‘Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic’ project at a ceremony held at 90 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam.

This initiative will transform 150 health centres across Punjab into state-of-the-art clinics, offering facilities comparable to private hospitals.

The clinics will feature digital systems from entry to treatment stages, ensuring efficient and modern healthcare delivery.

During the event, the chief minister distributed contract letters to doctors associated with the project.

Provincial Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir lauded her efforts, dubbing her the “Super CM.”

Maryam Nawaz emphasised the importance of maintenance, cleanliness, and effective management of these clinics. She also pledged to address the shortage of nurses and paramedical staff in Punjab’s hospitals.

The chief minister took a pledge from doctors to serve patients with dedication. She announced an increase in the annual dialysis fund from Rs700,000 to Rs1 million and outlined plans for motorcycle-based mini clinics, organ transplant initiatives, and insulin delivery services for Type 1 diabetes patients at their doorsteps.

Addressing the audience, she said, “Doctors are the real agents of change. By saving one life, they save humanity. I cannot reform the health system alone; I need the support of doctors.”

The chief minister detailed ongoing health reforms, including the establishment of a cold chain system for insulin delivery and the elimination of backlogs in the Children’s Heart Surgery Programme. She also shared her vision for building a new hospital dedicated to cancer treatment and introducing the world’s best medical machinery in Punjab hospitals.

“Our hospitals will soon rival the best in the world. With functional basic health centres, the public rush at large hospitals will be significantly reduced,” she remarked.

Maryam concluded by urging doctors to support the government’s efforts to transform Punjab’s healthcare system, promising resources such as CT scans and MRI machines for basic diagnostic facilities.