Punjab CM pledges women’s safety, highlights development drive

ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday pledged she would not rest until women across the province are fully protected, while outlining major initiatives in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and environmental management.

Speaking at a provincial meeting, Maryam Nawaz said over 100,000 homes are under construction, and Pakistan’s first government-run cancer hospital is nearing completion. She added that public hospitals now have ample stocks of medicines, air ambulance services are available for emergencies, and modern hospitals are planned for every city.

On education, the chief minister said it remains a top priority. She noted that 50,000 new classrooms are under construction, fresh teachers have been recruited, and scholarships launched for bright students. Children in government schools are receiving free milk packs, science and IT labs are being upgraded, and 80,000 underprivileged students are benefiting from free education.

Highlighting environmental progress, Maryam Nawaz said smog levels in Punjab have dropped by 60–70 percent over the past year due to modern techniques and strong government measures.

She also outlined ongoing infrastructure projects, including the completion of 1,000 village roads within six months and a new drainage system worth 100 billion rupees.

Taking a swipe at political rivals, she remarked, “Whenever PML-N is removed from power, the country heads towards decline,” accusing some opponents of waiting for Pakistan to default.

Maryam Nawaz said these efforts are setting a benchmark for development, women’s safety, and citizen welfare in Punjab.