Punjab govt’s first two years and transforming Punjab

Two years ago, when Maryam Nawaz was elected as Punjab’s first woman Chief Minister with a strong public mandate, she inherited a province burdened with immense challenges. The people of Punjab were not receiving relief, nor were their problems being resolved. Public trust in elected representatives was eroding. Government institutions were in a state of decline, and the repeated transfers of officers had damaged institutional structures.

There was no one to listen to the grievances of ordinary citizens. Even basic medicines like Disprin were unavailable in public hospitals. The condition of other departments was no different.

However, the very next day after taking oath, Maryam Nawaz outlined her priorities before the nation. She introduced a governance mechanism centered on performance, delivery, and relief. Every department was given a clear roadmap, and as a result, institutional performance improved significantly, ensuring that relief began reaching the common citizen.

During these two years, her government initiated development programs across every sector in Punjab. The list of public welfare and development initiatives launched and completed within just the first two years is extensive. Measures that previous governments would typically announce in their final year before elections were implemented by Maryam Nawaz in her very first year. Projects under her leadership do not remain confined to paperwork. She inaugurates a project only when it begins delivering tangible benefits to the people.

Instead of relying on political slogans, Maryam Nawaz focused on practical steps. Consequently, the standard of living for ordinary citizens began to improve, and relief started reaching their doorsteps. She did not sell dreams; rather, she turned into reality projects that people could not even imagine in their dreams. Those who once promised one crore jobs and fifty lakh houses disappeared after slogan-driven politics, but the elected Chief Minister has translated public aspirations into reality.

Among her flagship initiatives, the most notable is the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar (Own Roof, Own Home) program. Under this scheme, 134,000 individuals across Punjab are currently constructing their homes, with 50,000 houses already completed.
Her second major initiative, widely appreciated even at the international level, is the Suthra Punjab (Clean Punjab) Program. Under this single initiative, 120,000 jobs have been created. International media has acknowledged its success and transparency. The city of Birmingham in the United Kingdom has also drawn inspiration from this program.
Another landmark initiative focuses on farmers. The government launched the historic Kisan Card, through which interest-free loans amounting to Rs. 250 billion have been disbursed. Additionally, 18,000 farmers are receiving Green Tractors, 5,000 farmers are being provided Super Seeders, and tube well solarization programs are successfully underway.
To combat environmental pollution, 1,500 electric buses are being operated across Punjab. These buses have reached remote areas where governments previously had little presence.

A historic Livestock Card program has also been launched, under which more than 300,000 animals have been distributed to farmers. For persons with disabilities, the Himmat Card initiative provides a quarterly stipend of Rs. 10,500. Assistive devices and wheelchairs have been distributed in all 36 districts of Punjab. Thousands are benefiting from the Ration Card and Minority Card programs.

Another widely acclaimed initiative is the Dhee Rani Program, under which 5,000 daughters have been married so far across Punjab. Each bride receives valuable dowry items and a gift of Rs. 200,000 from the Chief Minister.
In the health sector, a major milestone has been achieved with the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital in Lahore, comprising 1,000 beds, within just one year. In addition, a Cardiology Hospital has been established in Sargodha. Both hospitals meet modern healthcare standards and will significantly reduce the burden on other facilities.

The Field Hospitals established under Maryam Nawaz have treated over 2.2 million patients so far. Meanwhile, 991 mobile units under Clinic on Wheels are operating 24/7, benefiting over 16.3 million individuals. The Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics have served more than 15 million people. Free provision of expensive medicines for cancer, hepatitis, and tuberculosis continues successfully. Health department teams have delivered 17,747 medicine packages directly to patients’ homes—an unprecedented step.

For the youth, major initiatives have been launched, including laptop and scholarship distribution. Initially, 40,000 students received laptops; this number has since been increased to 112,000. Under the Honhaar Scholarship Program, 30,000 students were granted scholarships in the first phase, later increased to 50,000 as promised. A previous government had discontinued the laptop scheme, but it has now been revived. Additionally, 27,000 electric bikes have been distributed among students.
These are only a few of the major initiatives undertaken in two years. The government has completed a “century” of projects within this short span. The Punjab Development Plan, a mega project, is also progressing successfully.
There is no political discrimination in the current administration. Even constituencies won by opposition parties are receiving development funds and relief without bias. Maryam Nawaz aims to eliminate political divisions and hatred, ensuring relief for people from every walk of life.

When the Honorarium Card for religious scholars (Ulema) was announced, it faced criticism from certain quarters. However, recipients expressed gratitude, acknowledging the government’s recognition of their important societal role. Those who spread false propaganda and incite people against the state can never be true well-wishers of the public. True well-wishers are those who come into power through the people’s vote and serve them sincerely.

Maryam Nawaz’s government has demonstrated that it is the true custodian of Punjab, carrying forward the legacy of her father. The manifesto of Pakistan Muslim League (N) centers on public welfare and national progress, and she is delivering accordingly.

Those who once conspired against her have faded into political irrelevance, while Maryam Nawaz stands firmly with the people, striving to improve their lives. She has declared 2026 as the Year of Youth, pledging maximum relief and opportunities for young people, recognizing that they are the future and will bring honor to the nation in the years ahead.