Minister hails Punjab CM’s welfare steps at mass wedding

JHANG: Punjab Minister for Social Welfare and Baitul Maal Sohail Shaukat stated on Friday that the Punjab Chief Minister’s “Dhi Rani Programme” is not only a precious gift, but also practical financial support for parents facing difficulties in arranging their children’s marriages.

He expressed these views as the chief guest at a mass wedding ceremony for 75 couples. Shaukat emphasised that initiatives like the Himmat Card and Dhi Rani Programme by the Punjab Chief Minister were foundational to building a welfare society. Under the Dhi Rani Programme, each newlywed couple received Rs 100,000 and dowry items as a gift from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The ceremony, held at a local private marriage hall, was attended by former members of parliament and other notable guests.

RESIDENTS FOR ACTION POOR CLEANLINESS: Residents of Town Bagh on Friday urged the Punjab Chief Minister and the Local Government Department secretary to take notice of the poor cleanliness conditions in various localities.

They alleged that a garbage-filled container had not been relocated from the main road market area despite written directives from the deputy commissioner (DC). Residents and shopkeepers stated that two weeks ago, they had raised the issue during an open forum, informing the DC that repeated requests to Bagh Union Council officials to shift the garbage container had gone unheeded. They highlighted that the overflowing container not only creates an eyesore but also poses health hazards.

Taking notice of the complaint, the DC had directed the Local Government Assistant Director to resolve the issue immediately. However, no action has been taken so far. The assistant director claimed that, following the DC’s orders, the matter was assigned to the Bagh Union Council secretary for relocation of the container. He added that a compliance report would be sought soon.

MAN KILLED IN ACCIDENT: A man was killed and two others sustained injuries when a loader van collided with a rickshaw on Chiniot Road. The accident occurred near Sufi Morre Road where a speeding loader van hit a rickshaw, killing one person on the spot and injuring two others. Rescue 1122 teams arrived promptly and transported the deceased and injured people to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital.