LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday inaugurated the ration card programme for labourers, calling it the realisation of a “long-cherished dream” aimed at supporting the province’s hardworking families.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, she said that starting from June 1, around 1.25 million labourer families will receive ration cards under a Rs50 billion programme.
“Each registered worker will receive Rs3,000 per month through the card,” she said, adding, “Our goal is to ensure no worker’s child goes to sleep hungry.”
Declaring that Pakistan’s progress is fuelled most by the working class, Maryam Nawaz said her government was returning the “trust of the poor”. “This ration card is a symbol of dignity for hardworking Pakistanis,” she said.
She highlighted that for the first time, the minimum wage had been enforced across Punjab, while 3 million families had already received doorstep ration deliveries. “We are not here to enjoy protocol or accumulate wealth,” she said. “Officials should serve the people and secure their hereafter.”
Commenting on regional tensions, Maryam Nawaz reassured the public amid ongoing Pakistan-India border strain. “A threat looms, but there’s no need to panic. Pakistan’s people and armed forces have the capability to defend the nation.”
She urged unity, saying, “Regardless of political affiliation, it is time to stand behind our armed forces as one nation.” She said any enemy would now think “ten times before attempting aggression” due to Pakistan’s nuclear capability. “This nuclear shield was gifted to the country by Nawaz Sharif,” she added.
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In a rundown of provincial projects, Maryam Nawaz said 30,000 houses had been completed in one year and targeted the construction of 100,000 homes this year. “Which government has built 30,000 homes in even 20 years?” she asked.
The chief minister also announced the addition of 500 new buses in Punjab and said work would begin this year on the Gujranwala Metro project. She said Punjab was also constructing its first government-run cancer hospital.
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Despite limited resources, she claimed, “Where there is honesty and hard work, there is progress.” She pointed out that all provinces received resources post-NFC Award and any shortcomings were due to intent, not funds.
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Addressing concerns over wheat procurement and farmer losses, the CM dismissed allegations of government neglect. “Falsehoods are being spread about losses to farmers,” she said. “We are giving Rs5,000 per acre to farmers with less than 12 acres of land.”
She cautioned against setting wheat prices too high, saying, “If I set the price at Rs4,000 today, roti would become unaffordable for 150 million people.” She added, “There’s not a single household today that cannot afford flour or bread.”
Reflecting on the plight of the poor, she remarked, “When there’s nothing to eat with bread, parents sometimes feed their children chillies just to make do.”
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“I am fighting a war every day for the people of Punjab,” Maryam Nawaz concluded.