Opposition won’t regain power: Maryam

LAHORE: Distributing super seeders among farmers in Kala Shah Kaku on Thursday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz advised the opposition to “sit down and stay home.”

Addressing a ceremony at the Rice Research Institute Kala Shah Kaku, she advised the opposition to “sit down and stay home; you will not come to power again.”

The chief minister remarked, “Those who neither respected the 26th Amendment nor the chief justice were the first to attend the swearing-in ceremony.” She said, “People from Kashmir are coming to Punjab due to affordable bread and lower inflation. One must show empathy towards people to tackle inflation effectively.”

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized, “The PMLN government is gaining momentum. No one knows how to deliver better than the PMLN.” She emphasized the importance of public cooperation to combat smog, adding, “Visible smoke emissions prompt immediate action because smog causes many diseases.” The chief minister said, “Farmers will receive the latest agricultural equipment with a 60% subsidy. Farmers have purchased agricultural inputs worth Rs10 billion using the Kisan Card.”

She highlighted that using super seeders will help reduce pollution and significantly lower smog levels across the province. She said, “Currently, there are 300 super-seeders in Punjab; we are adding 1,000 today and plan to bring the total to 5,000 over the next five years.” She inaugurated the distribution of super seeders and announced plans to start rental services for modern agricultural equipment in every tehsil, targeting a 60-day timeline to launch this service at zero profit. She mentioned, “Farmers will pay only Rs500,000 for a super seeder worth Rs1.3 million; the government will cover the remaining Rs800,000.”

Meanwhile, the Punjab cabinet on Thursday approved the establishment of Punjab’s first road safety authority. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired the 19th cabinet meeting. The authority will focus on road safety, vehicular safety and driving training schools. The authority will also ensure road standardisation and establish standard vehicular testing laboratories.

Additionally, a motor transport agency will be created under the authority’s supervision. The transport minister will head a 14-member special committee on the authority. The chief minister directed the rehabilitation of Gurdwaras and other religious places for minorities across Punjab, including Rawalpindi.

The cabinet approved an increase in the grant for Artists Khidmat Cards for actors and decided to enhance the assistance grant for them. It was decided that the authority of the Lahore Arts Council Endowment Fund Board would be handed over to the information minister. The Punjab CM inquired about the condition of ailing actor Shafqat Cheema.

The cabinet also approved the proposed Punjab Government Advertisement Policy 2024. The CM awarded certificates of merit to five deputy commissioners for excellent performance based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The deputy commissioners of Bahawalnagar ranked first, followed by the deputy commissioner of Murree, deputy commissioner of Mianwali third, deputy commissioner of Layyah fourth and deputy commissioner of Pakpattan fifth. Each deputy commissioner received a two-month honorary salary for their outstanding performance.

The cabinet granted conditional approval for all LDA cases within one year and approved the construction of protective embankments to prevent river erosion. Conditional approval was also given for land allotment to an eye centre.

The cabinet approved the inclusion of an international standard squash facility scheme at Lahore Garrison Green in the annual development programme. A grant of Rs20 million was allocated to the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council for the T20 World Cup for the Blind. The cabinet approved an increase in rewards for the arrest of most wanted and dangerous criminals.

The cabinet approved amendments to the Notaries Ordinance 1961, Punjab Police Rules 1934, and the Stamp Act 1899. Funds were approved for improving sewerage and rainwater drainage systems across Punjab. A supplementary grant was sanctioned for payments to the Gujranwala Waste Management Company. The reconstitution of the board of directors of the Gujrat Waste Management Company and reconstruction and rehabilitation of Haveli Bakshi Ram Singh in Tehsil Gujar Khan of Rawalpindi were also approved.

The Punjab Examination Commission Report for the year 2022-23 and the annual reports of IDP for the financial year 2018-19 were approved. Ex-gratia financial assistance was sanctioned for the families of those martyred in the terrorist attacks in Balochistan. The cabinet approved the replacement of old jammer cars deployed for security duties. Approval was also granted to include the Institute of Urology and Transplantation in Rawalpindi in the annual development programme.

The cabinet approved the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution Amendment Bill 2024 and the privileges of the chairperson of the Punjab Women Protection Authority. The plan to implement the Punjab Pension Plan 2022-25 and amendments to the Punjab Finance Act 1977 were also approved. The nomination of the chairperson of Punjab Education Initiative Management Authority and appointment of non-official members were approved. Additionally, the cabinet approved a relaxation in rules for recruitment in the Punjab Education Foundation and nomination of members of the governing body of the PEC.

During the meeting, the CM welcomed three newly-inducted cabinet members -- Shahid Tarar, Salma But, and Sania Ashiq. During a meeting with Information and Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said to begin Phase-II of the Journalists Housing Scheme as soon as possible. She instructed the Information Department to complete all required formalities before delivering plots to journalists promptly.

Maryam Nawaz emphasized, “The government and journalists are mutually indispensable. Providing plots to journalists is not a favour; it is their right.” She assured that plots would be allocated fairly and on merit, following all legal protocols. The Information Department will soon invite applications from journalists in Lahore, including those from the Lahore Press Club. An advertisement regarding the application process will be released shortly.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, while paying tribute to three soldiers, including a major, martyred in an anti-terrorism operation in Bannu said the entire nation stands united against terrorism. She praised the courage of soldiers who eliminated eight terrorists in the operation and expressed her heartfelt condolences to the families of martyrs.