Punjab is witnessing a transformation unlike any seen before. With Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif at the helm, the province has embarked on an era of unprecedented progress. From making developments in infrastructure and health to agriculture, education, and social welfare, the government has launched several initiatives. Each project speaks volumes about PML-N’s dedication to a prosperous Punjab, one that meets every community’s needs and sets new standards for public service.
Kissan Card
Farmers in Punjab now have a strong advocate in CM Maryam, who launched the Kissan Card within six months of her assuming charge of the government. The Kissan Card, deemed a game-changer by the agriculture ministry, allows farmers to buy seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides. Initially, the government announced that 500,000 cards would be issued, but later increased the number to 750,000, with 487,000 applications approved and over 361,000 cards already distributed, enabling purchases worth Rs18 billion.
Additionally, 2,600 registered dealers across Punjab offer interest-free loans for wheat crop inputs, extending eligibility to farmers who are not registered in the government database.
Green Tractor Scheme
This programme will offer subsidies of up to Rs1 million on tractors, making it possible for farmers to acquire machinery at affordable rates, for which over 1.5 million applications have already been received. The government also announced a Rs10-15 billion initiative to establish machinery hubs in each tehsil, creating access to essential tools and equipment. Furthermore, the government has revealed plans to solarise 7,000 tube wells, reducing energy costs for farmers currently relying on diesel and petrol-powered wells.
Himmat Card
Understanding the need for inclusivity, CM Maryam introduced the Himmat Card, a special initiative for persons with disabilities. This card offers financial support and additional resources to a group often overlooked.
CM Livestock Card
The Punjab government also launched the CM Livestock Card, which started registering participants on November 5 and will be fully operational by December 15. This programme allows livestock farmers access to interest-free loans for four months, backed by an impressive budget of Rs11 billion, estimated to benefit around 80,000 farmers. It is a meaningful investment in one of the province’s core industries.
Dastak Services
One of CM Maryam’s standout initiatives is Dastak Services. Residents of Punjab now have access to over 60 essential public services at their doorstep, including crucial documents such as domicile certificates, and life-saving medications. It is an innovative approach to governance, ensuring accessibility and convenience for the people.
First public cancer hospital
In October, CM Maryam laid the cornerstone of Pakistan’s first-ever public cancer hospital, the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research Centre. This facility promises comprehensive and cost-free treatment for Level-3 and Level-4 cancer patients, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and endoscopy services. The initial phase is set to be completed within 12 months, and it is just the beginning. The CM has already announced plans for a bone marrow transplant institute, alongside specialised hospitals for blood diseases, paediatric care, organ transplants, and more. Her commitment also extends to bringing specialist doctors from abroad to provide top-tier care.
Expansion of Punjab Institute of Cardiology
CM Maryam Nawaz inspected the construction of the second phase of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC-II) in Lahore in November. This expansion will ease the patient load on the current facility and provide a full range of cardiology services in every district. Her vision for paediatric heart surgery using a card system has already made surgeries accessible for hundreds of children, and the ongoing revamping of Lahore’s Services Hospital is progressing swiftly.
Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar Scheme
The Government of Punjab has initiated the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar Scheme’, which offers small loans for the construction of homes to low-income families who already own a plot of land. Recently, CM Maryam Nawaz visited a loan recipient who had begun construction on her house, a powerful testament to the scheme’s impact.
Honhaar Scholarships
Education remains a cornerstone of the Punjab Government’s public service agenda. Punjab’s Honhaar Scholarship Programme provides full tuition fees to eligible students in public sector universities and colleges. The government has expanded the programme to cover more than 30,000 students annually, with an investment of over PKR 7 billion this year alone. This initiative will support 120,000 students in the upcoming four years, with a total commitment of over PKR 130 billion over the next eight years. For the first time, this scholarship will also cover private sector universities such as LUMS and the University of Lahore.
First public autism school
In October, CM Maryam Nawaz laid the foundation of Pakistan’s first government-run autism school in Lahore, while instructing relevant departments to initiate the hiring of autism experts. The school will feature a ground and first floor, with 11 classrooms for the junior section and 10 for the senior section. In addition to classrooms, the school will include a cubical speech session room, therapy room, pre-vocational training room, a daily living activity room, and a computer lab. This school will be completed in one year.
To fulfil her promise to establish 300 special education schools as Centres of Excellence across Punjab, Maryam Nawaz has appointed Ms Sania Ashiq as special assistant to the CM for special education. CM Punjab opened a new school in NA-119 to provide specialised learning for children with special needs.
Lahore Garment City
The Punjab cabinet, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, approved the establishment of a “Plug-and-Play Garment City” and its inclusion in the annual development programme. Aimed at fuelling garment exports, the initiative prioritises women’s participation in the garment-making industry. CM Maryam attended the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of women trained in garment making and sewing in Sheikhupura’s Garments City to encourage women in this field, where they received certificates and job offers. During her October visit to Lahore’s Garment City, she announced plans to establish garment training centres for girls in every tehsil of Punjab.
Climate Leadership Development Internship Programme
The CM Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Programme, initiated by the chief minister herself, aims to empower young individuals to become future leaders in environmental protection. The programme offers hands-on experience in climate change policy, sustainable development, and environmental management, allowing participants to engage directly in governmental efforts to address environmental challenges. Interns will gain practical knowledge from seasoned professionals, participate in tutorials, and work on leadership-oriented environmental projects, combining academic learning with real-world application to drive positive change. Each intern would get a Rs60,000 monthly stipend for the duration of the six-month internship.
The writer is a political activist and works in youth development.
