Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized that tackling the province’s political challenges is just as critical as addressing urban waste management. Speaking at the Suthra Punjab event in Lahore, she highlighted the disarray she inherited in Punjab following the departure of Shahbaz Sharif, detailing the decline in infrastructure, healthcare, and public services.
Maryam pointed out that roads built during Shahbaz’s tenure are now crumbling, hospitals are struggling, free medicines are scarce, and even the Metro Bus System has been neglected. “If Shahbaz Sharif’s government had continued, Punjab would have been a completely different story,” she remarked.
A New Waste Management System for Punjab
At the event, Maryam introduced a comprehensive waste management initiative designed to streamline garbage collection directly from homes to landfills. She emphasized that while the government has implemented this system, its success depends on public participation. Expressing optimism, she announced:
- 100,000 new jobs to be created within a week.
- Roads across Punjab to be cleaned and revitalized.
- Procurement of modern equipment to enhance cleanliness efforts.
Maryam reiterated that cleanliness extends beyond the streets—it reflects governance and the collective responsibility of society.
Condemning Violence in the Name of Protests
In a candid address, Maryam criticized those who incite violence under the guise of public protests. She recalled failed attempts by political rivals to gather public support for destructive demonstrations. “Whenever they called for protests, destruction, or violence, the people of Punjab did not respond. I didn’t see more than a handful of participants at their rallies,” she said.
She contrasted these actions with her own rallies, where public participation was voluntary and peaceful. “Protests are a democratic right, but they should be peaceful. Violence, destruction, and armed gatherings are unacceptable,” she stated, adding that after the events of May 9, public trust in such protests has eroded.
Referring to injuries sustained by law enforcement personnel during violent protests, Maryam said, “What kind of public protest leads to breaking bones of police officers and Rangers? The mastermind of such acts is now behind bars.” She further denounced claims of mass casualties as baseless propaganda, urging transparency and accountability.
Reviving Healthcare with Free Medicine Supply
During a visit to the Central Medicine Warehouse in Maraka, one of the largest facilities in Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz launched an initiative to provide free medicines to districts across Punjab. She directed the swift operationalization of additional warehouses in Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Multan to ensure equitable distribution of medical supplies.
Maryam personally oversaw the dispatch of trucks loaded with medicines, inspecting the quality, storage conditions, and logistics to ensure compliance with health standards. Punjab Health Secretary Ali Jan Khan briefed her on maintaining optimal storage conditions and efficient transportation systems.
This initiative aims to:
- Restore free medicine availability across public hospitals.
- Equip healthcare facilities with essential furniture and medical tools.
- Ensure transparency and quality in medicine distribution.
A Call for Unity and Responsibility
Maryam Nawaz concluded her address by urging citizens to take collective responsibility for Punjab’s progress. She emphasized that political stability and effective governance go hand in hand with public participation, stressing that the path to a better Punjab requires unity, peaceful advocacy, and a shared commitment to development.
This new vision for Punjab seeks not only to clean its streets but also to rebuild trust, restore services, and create opportunities for its people.
