Lahore: Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Minister of Punjab, announced the largest budget in Pakistan and Punjab’s history and presented their first budget for 2024-25 amid great noise from the opposition.
Maryam Nawaz thanked Allah for completing 100 days of governance while addressing the Punjab Assembly. She said our performance speaks for itself no matter how loudly the opposition clamors. She also recognized many opposition members as patriotic Pakistanis and reiterated that new taxes have not been imposed on the people of Punjab. Furthermore, she criticized them for having nothing substantial to say but relying on abusive language, slogans, and noise.
While stating that running government is a challenge, Maryam Nawaz appreciated the services rendered by former Chief Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. Within 100 days of her administration’s tenure, she highlighted its achievements vis-à-vis those scored by opposition parties during the same period. Her side accused the previous regime of being vindictive and incompetent rather than serving the masses; it was therefore boasted that political opponents were not victimized under the leadership of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
She thanked party president Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for their support and guidance, while also expressing gratitude to citizens who had appreciated PTI’s performance over these hundred days of rule in the province. She emphasized the need to praise the people of Punjab as well. According to her words, “The budget is not about empty promises but actionable plans,” so after approval from the cabinet. She was confident enough about the project’s execution ability post-budget implementation.
Despite the opposition’s protests and tearing of agenda copies, Maryam Nawaz responded firmly, pointing out their failures during their tenure. Such as the misuse of the Toshakhana. The session saw significant opposition chanting, and Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat mocked the opposition by waving a watch in the assembly.
Maryam Nawaz announced that free medicines are again available in hospitals, a facility the previous government had stopped. She lamented inheriting a struggling Punjab from PTI and criticized the previous government’s corruption and inefficiency. She highlighted the historic investment in health and education. Noting the significant reduction in inflation, making essentials like flour, bread, sugar, and vegetables more affordable.
A new authority to combat profiteering and hoarding is being established, extending their Ramadan package to millions. For the first time, intermediaries will no longer exploit farmers. With an agricultural package launching in August promising prosperity for farmers. They will introduce modern agricultural tools, solar-powered tube wells, and subsidies for tractors.
Reforms in education include restructuring the education department, ensuring more teachers are in schools, and establishing special education facilities. They will also introduce a free milk program for schoolchildren, relaunch the student laptop scheme, and plan sports grounds at the union council level.
The government will appoint university vice-chancellors solely based on merit. Addressing corruption in the health sector by upgrading hospitals and resuming the supply of essential medicines. The “Clinic on Wheels” program has already provided doorstep treatment to 1.2 million people. The government will establish new health facilities, including a Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital.
Maryam Nawaz announced new cleanliness initiatives across Punjab, creating 100,000 jobs and ensuring safe city projects in all districts. She emphasized her commitment to serving the people of Punjab and vowed to bring about significant changes in their lives. Despite the opposition’s protest, the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly adjourned the session until the next day.
