LAHORE: Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Monday underlined the achievements of the Punjab government upon completing about one year in power.

“Historic projects have been completed under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The Ramazan Negahban Package was introduced, through which, for the first time in history, 6.4 million deserving people received the package at their doorsteps. Similarly, for the first time in the history of Punjab, the price of bread was reduced, with a 20 kg flour bag now costing up to Rs1,200. A relief of Rs54 billion has been provided to the public through electricity bill reductions,” Bokhari told a presser here.

She said Punjab’s first public cancer hospital with 1,000 beds was being built at a cost of Rs54bn. The Kissan Card with a budget of Rs400bn was launched and so far farmers had used Rs30bn in purchases through this scheme.

“The Green Tractor scheme for farmers has been initiated, benefiting 9,000 farmers. The Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Programme provided interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million to deserving individuals. Some 27,000 bicycles were distributed to students based on merit, with plans to increase this number to 100,000 next year,” she said.

The minister said the Roshan Gharana programme was initiated under which 100,000 households would receive free solar panels, and the process had begun. “Maryam Nawaz unlike other provincial chief ministers has never served on any administrative post in the past but has proven through her performance that holding a position or resources is not necessary for running administrative affairs,” she said.

Azma Bokhari said for the first time in Punjab, air ambulance service was launched. People from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were also benefiting from this service, she said and added clinics on wheels and field hospitals were providing health services at people’s doorsteps.

“Under the CM’s personal interest, free medicines for cancer, TB, and hepatitis are being provided to the public at their doorstep. A dialysis card has been introduced for dialysis patients who can not afford expensive treatment. The government has also launched a scholarship programme, providing free scholarships to over 30,000 students to ensure no child in Punjab is deprived of education. A nutrition programme for children has been introduced, providing milk to school children, and free laptops and school reorganisations have been initiated,” she said.

Super seeders for farmers, model agri-malls, solarisation of tubewells and livestock cards for farmers have been initiated. “For women, the government has launched initiatives such as free livestock distribution, women’s hostels, day care centres, Pink Button service, and the Dhee Rani programme, which will facilitate thousands of poor girls’ marriages,” Bokhari said.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2024