Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz addressed the Chief Minister Livestock Card launch ceremony in Pakpattan, announcing an extensive package of reforms and initiatives aimed at uplifting farmers, improving public welfare, and advancing infrastructure development in the province.
Under the Rs20 billion livestock card initiative, beneficiaries will receive Rs270,000 for four months to purchase quality fodder and enhance livestock health. The Punjab CM emphasised the program’s impact on increasing the weight of animals, thereby improving productivity.
"The scope of the livestock card scheme will continue to be expanded," Maryam remarked, adding that efforts were being made to enhance the incomes of people.
- 90,000 additional beneficiaries are set to receive cards next year. "We are also improving the quality of animals," the CM remarked.
- Rs9 billion has been allocated for vaccinations, with efforts underway to boost local vaccine production.
- Farmers will soon have access to agricultural machinery in every tehsil, with a return policy after use. Moreover, 35 motorcycles have been given to veterinary assistants.
Additionally, a Rs400 billion package for farmers includes subsidies for fertilizers and seeds, ensuring affordability and ending black market practices.
The CM highlighted initiatives under the 'Apna Ghar, Apna Chhat' programme, which has received over 700,000 applications. One lakh houses will be built this year, with plans to construct homes for 500,000 people in five years.
Maryam Nawaz also announced interest-free loans of up to Rs30 million for youth to support entrepreneurship and economic growth, with no burden of repayment interest.
Key projects to be initiated include:
- Metro Systems: Metro bus services for Faisalabad and Gujranwala, set to begin construction next year.
- Healthcare: The four-storey Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Hospital in Sargodha will be inaugurated in June, providing advanced cardiac care.
- Sanitation: A province-wide sanitation system upgrade, which is already operational, is set for further improvements.
She remarked that a call centre had been set up to identify problems in the development schemes. "Every day, I check the data before going to bed," she told people.
Empowering Women
Special attention is being given to women in South Punjab. Livestock and assets are being provided to widows and low-income women in areas such as DG Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, and Multan.
Accountability of Past Governance
Maryam Nawaz questioned the previous government’s use of public funds, highlighting a lack of progress in building hospitals, schools, or colleges during their tenure. “This money existed before; where did it go?” she asked, contrasting it with the PML-N's active development agenda.
Maryam affirmed her commitment to ensuring the fruits of Punjab's economic recovery, reduced inflation, low flour prices, and improved stock market performance reach the people. “Our government is here to deliver,” she said.
