Maryam opens Cardiology Centre, announces Murree projects

RAWALPINDI: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday inaugurated the Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Centre at the Syed Muhammad Hussain Government Samli Hospital, Murree, unveiling a series of major uplift projects for the hill station, including health, education, transport and tourism initiatives.

She said the upgraded hospital, renovated for the first time since its establishment in 1930, is now equipped with a modern Cardiac Catheterisation Lab and advanced medical technologies, with cardiologists and staff available round the clock. She said the facility will ensure patients no longer need to travel to Rawalpindi for treatment.

To facilitate access, three dedicated buses will also be provided for patients traveling to the facility.

Maryam announced that a 100-bed hospital will be built in Kotli Sattian and a 50-bed facility in Bhurban. She also highlighted the operational success of ‘Clinic on Wheels’ and ‘Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics’ across Murree, ensuring mobile healthcare services for remote communities.

The CM shared that schools in Murree are being upgraded while the historic Mall Road is undergoing a multi-billion-rupee rehabilitation project.

Maryam Nawaz pledged to safeguard Murree’s natural beauty by demolishing illegal constructions and curbing land mafia activities.

To promote tourism, she said a dedicated tourism force under Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has been established. Restoration work is underway at Bansra Gali Park, while a new biodiversity park will also be set up to preserve the region’s natural heritage.

Maryam announced the launch of a train service between Rawalpindi and Murree and the introduction of 15 new Green Line buses in the city, with free travel for senior citizens, women and persons with disabilities.

Meanwhile, on the direction of CM Maryam Nawaz, a comprehensive flood survey is continuing in Punjab to assess damages and compensate victims across the province.

According to a Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) report, 1,314 teams are working in 27 districts, having recorded data of 41,735 flood victims so far. Losses include crops of 28,632 farmers on 49,510 acres, 12,500 damaged houses, and the death of 2,459 livestock animals.

The CM promised that every affected family would be compensated, adding that financial aid will be disbursed after verification through PITB, PLRA and NADRA. Special “Maryam Nawaz Sharif Flood Relief ATM Cards” will be issued to ensure transparent assistance.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz extended warm felicitations to the leadership and people of the People’s Republic of China on Wednesday on their 76th National Day, conveying best wishes to President Xi Jinping and his team.

She said the people of Punjab equally share the joy of this milestone, adding that Pakistan and China remain exemplary neighbours, trusted friends and valued partners. She highlighted that Chinese cooperation has played a vital role in strengthening Pakistan’s economy and advancing global human development.

Referring to her recent visit to China, the CM noted that the Punjab government has introduced a Co-ablation machine for cancer treatment, a step that will ensure faster recovery for patients.

Separately, Maryam Nawaz Wednesday took notice of a tragic acid attack on a mother and her daughter in Multan. She directed the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Multan to submit a detailed report and ordered the authorities to ensure the victims receive the best possible medical treatment.

On the International Day of Older Persons, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz said senior citizens are a vital part of society and deserve respect, dignity and care. She described them as a reflection of the past, a guide for the present and an inspiration for future generations.

The CM noted that today’s comforts were made possible by the sacrifices of elders in their youth, urging the younger generation to honour and serve them wholeheartedly. She termed Pakistan’s elderly “a national asset”.

Highlighting government initiatives, she said old-age homes in Punjab are being upgraded, senior citizens have been facilitated in performing Hajj, and free travel on electric buses has been ensured. She reaffirmed that safeguarding the rights of elders is both a cultural and religious duty, and the Punjab government is committed to their welfare and comfort.