PMLN united like steel wall, Maryam tells opponents predicting rift within party

PAKPATTAN/LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday slammed her opponents without naming them, stating with the progress in Punjab, they resort to blaming and attempting to create divisions. She firmly stated that her party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN), remains united and firm like a wall of steel against all such efforts.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Electric Bus Project in Pakpattan, Maryam stated that unless there is equal development in all 38 districts of Punjab, she will not consider the province truly developed. She announced the induction of 400 more electric buses next year, with 1,100 buses to be introduced in Phase-I by December.

Detailing a comprehensive development agenda, the chief minister announced that this year will see the construction of new sewerage and drainage lines all over Punjab, along with the establishment of underground water storage tanks and filtration plants to provide clean water. To ensure access in remote areas, clean drinking water will also be delivered house-to-house via water tankers. She further unveiled a beautification plan for both small and large cities.

On agriculture, the chief minister announced a historic subsidy on DAP fertilizer and said that every farmer will receive an interest-free loan of Rs150,000 for every crop, with an early subsidy for wheat cultivation to be announced soon.

Addressing the challenge of natural disasters, she recalled the recent historic floods, stating that 27 districts were severely affected. She credited her government’s swift and timely rescue operation with preventing massive losses of life and property, asserting that if her government had not been vigilant, the floods would have caused historic damage.

Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz directed that an agreement between the Punjab government and the private sector be finalised to purchase wheat from farmers at the rate of Rs3,500 per maund.

The decision was made in a meeting chaired by Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday, where the agriculture department gave a detailed briefing on wheat cultivation. The authorities concerned informed her that there was no shortage of wheat in Punjab as the province had sufficient reserves. They also apprised her of a comprehensive plan to procure wheat for the next year.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the first-ever government-run public transport system in Pakpattan by launching an electric bus service. As part of the initiative, 15 electric buses will operate on three urban routes, with five buses serving each route. The routes will run from Pakpattan General Bus Stand to Banga Hayat, Arifwala, and Noor Pur Syal, respectively.

Maryam Nawaz appreciated the security forces for eliminating 19 Indian-backed terrorists in Orakzai.