LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz asserted on Monday that she had never ordered for the arrest or release of any political opponent.
While addressing a cheque distribution ceremony of CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Programme here, she said: “Imran Khan is paying the price for his misdeeds. It’s striking how time has turned, with him now confined to Adiala Jail in my province.” However, she added, she had never objected to the provision of an air-conditioner, food of his choice, or any other facilities granted to him in jail.
Without directly naming him, Maryam Nawaz criticised Imran Khan for his rhetoric, stating, “It’s easy to accuse others and hurl abuses, but this country can no longer afford politics rooted in burning state properties, laying siege, and mistreating law-enforcement officers.” She also expressed concerns about the future, warning that if the nation didn’t shift to a path of development, many of its youth might lose hope. “My opponents are struggling to accept Punjab’s progress,” she added.
Maryam Nawaz expressed her commitment to public service, stating, “I have taken up the mission of public service as a challenge. I deeply thank the leadership and the party for entrusting me with this responsibility.”
During the ceremony, Maryam announced distribution of Asaan Karobar finance cheques and Asaan Karobar cards. However, she criticised the previous government, accusing them of driving the country’s inflation to a staggering 38pc and causing foreign investment to flee during their tenure.
In a pointed reference to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Maryam highlighted her government’s progress, saying, “Our administration is building 700 roads across Punjab, and some claim that road construction doesn’t lead to prosperity. But if building roads doesn’t bring development, can burning and sieging bring it?” She added, “The youth of Pakistan now understand who destroyed their future.”
She noted that the opposition was unable to accept the progress being made in Punjab, adding, “Their politics has reached the point where they are slapping each other,” referring to a recent altercation between former minister Fawad Chaudhry and PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen.
Focusing on the Asaan Karobar programme, the CM explained that the government was offering interest-free loans ranging from Rs1 million to Rs30 million to help people start businesses. “Loans are being granted based on 100pc merit,” she assured, adding that no favouritism would be tolerated.
Maryam acknowledged that creating employment was a complex challenge but pointed to signs of improvement, stating, “Pakistan’s economy has strengthened over the past year, and people’s standard of living is gradually improving.” She also highlighted a significant reduction in inflation, from 38pc to 4pc, since her government took office.
She noted that “as businesses grow through the government initiatives, employment opportunities will also increase”. The chief minister revealed that the Punjab government had already received 185,000 applications for the Asaan Karobar loans and directed the Bank of Punjab to expedite the approval process, ensuring a “Zero Time to Start” policy for loan recipients.
She also unveiled plans for land allocation in industrial zones for beneficiaries of the scheme and confirmed that further NOCs and licences would be issued to facilitate new businesses. “In the holy month of Ramazan, we will launch a free plot scheme, benefiting 3.3 million families, with Rs10,000 delivered to their doorsteps,” she announced. “Additionally, we will introduce a laptop scheme after Ramazan. If the country doesn’t progress now, the youth will lose all hope,” she added.
Maryam Nawaz highlighted the importance of interest-free loans, stressing that Pakistan’s economy had remained in a state of stagnation for seven years but was now on the mend. “The PMLN government has always kept its promises, and economic development is its hallmark,” she added.
Maryam also praised transparency of the Asaan Karobar scheme, highlighting that loans were distributed solely on merit, without any political bias. “The scheme is generating employment and supporting small businesses,” she added.
Separately, on Global Tourism Resilience Day, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz underscored the immense potential of tourism in the province, pointing to its diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountain ranges, lakes, and rivers.
“Tourism plays a vital role in strengthening the economy, preserving local culture, and fostering international relations,” she said in her message. Highlighting key initiatives, Maryam Nawaz described the Islamabad-to-Murree Glass Train Project as a “game changer” and revealed that a comprehensive master plan was being implemented to transform Murree into a world-class tourist destination.
She further elaborated, “Punjab is introducing new tourist destinations while upgrading infrastructure to ensure safe and comfortable travel experiences for visitors. The promotion of religious tourism, including the construction of a state-of-the-art hotel in Kartarpur, remains a key priority for the provincial government.”
On the other hand, PMLN President Nawaz Sharif expressed regret over derailment and destruction of the country, blaming it on the introduction of “polluted politics”, characterised by rudeness, malice, and revenge. He was addressing members of the Punjab Assembly representing the divisions and districts of Sahiwal, Khanewal, Multan, Lodhran, Vehari and Bahawalnagar.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was also present, and discussions focused on public welfare projects and future political strategies. The assembly members praised the revolutionary Green Pakistan Project, launched by CM Maryam in Cholistan.
Nawaz said, “The economy and values were destroyed, and democracy was stabbed in the back. Pakistan has been brought back from the brink of default by Shehbaz Sharif. Economic stability is reviving due to his hard work. Economic development will be ensured through continuity of policies.”
He said, “Corruption, economic destruction, inflation, and bad manners were the gifts of the previous regime. We had bid farewell to the IMF. Our goal is to develop the country and make the people prosperous by shielding them from inflation. By the grace of Allah Almighty, the promises made by the PMLN are now being fulfilled,” Nawaz claimed.
The assembly members reaffirmed their confidence in the leadership of Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif, describing them as symbols of loyalty and promise-keeping. They said that the two leaders had consistently alleviated the country’s hardships, often due to their sheer struggle.
The members also highlighted the role of Maryam Nawaz, saying that her tenure as the first female chief minister of Punjab had rejuvenated the legacy of the PMLN. They said the public admiration for her services and the demand for her governance across other provinces was a proof of her dedication towards the public service.
The meeting was attended by several senior party leaders, including Senator Pervez Rashid, Rana Sanaullah, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Rashid Nasrullah, and others.
