Latest news with #MaryamNawaz
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
The secret behind Maryam Nawaz's rising popularity
Over the past year and a half, Punjab has witnessed a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Many of the initiatives launched during this period are unprecedented in the province's history, with few parallels in the past. It is evident from her governance style that Maryam Nawaz came into office with thorough preparation and a clear five-year plan. Launching dozens of public welfare projects within the first year of her government reflects not spontaneity, but strategic groundwork and vision. Maryam Nawaz has proven that she is not only the daughter of a three-time elected Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, but also an astute leader in her own right. Her governance embodies her father's experience, political insight, and strategic thinking. Every initiative she undertakes is rooted in the welfare of the common citizen. One of her most commendable efforts is the formal launch of the Punjab Counter-Narcotics Force (CNF) — the first of its kind in Pakistan. Drug abuse remains a pressing issue worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception. A significant portion of the affected population is the youth, who are often targeted by organized drug mafias. Alarmingly, these mafias have also infiltrated educational institutions. Recognizing the gravity of the problem, Maryam Nawaz established the CNF as a specialized force to counter the drug menace in Punjab. The force has officially commenced operations across the province, with divisional offices and stations already functional. In the second phase, CNF's reach will extend to the district level. Officers and personnel of the CNF have received 12 weeks of professional training at the ANF Academy in Rawalpindi. Take Lahore, for example — areas like Dharampura, Mughalpura, Lal Pul, Ichhra, Chauburji, and Data Darbar were once hotspots for drug addicts, particularly young individuals. Today, such scenes have largely disappeared, demonstrating the tangible impact of CNF's efforts. Under the 18th Amendment, Punjab has emerged as the only province to establish multiple specialized enforcement forces under Maryam Nawaz's leadership. These include: Wildlife Protection Force, Environment Force and Forest Force. PERRA (Punjab Enforcement & Regulatory Authority) – Also known as the Para Force Among these, PERRA holds special significance. It is the first of its kind in Pakistan, dedicated to tackling inflation, hoarding, illegal profiteering, and encroachments across Punjab. This force is active at both district and tehsil levels and is equipped with modern weaponry, advanced 3D-modeled stations, and a dedicated uniformed workforce. Each force has its own Director General and command structure, with new recruitments offering dignified employment to hundreds of young people. In addition, through the 'Sutrah Punjab Project', over 120,000 young individuals have already been provided jobs, further contributing to social and economic stability. Unlike traditional political strategies that revolve around rhetoric and media headlines, Maryam Nawaz's governance is firmly grounded in visible, impactful work. She only inaugurates projects once they are fully operational and ready to serve the public — a departure from the paper-only announcements often seen in past administrations. The people of Punjab are fortunate to have a visionary leader who values discipline, accountability, and progress. Unlike previous Chief Ministers who took a year merely to familiarize themselves with the basics of governance, Maryam Nawaz has already launched over 80 public welfare and relief projects within her first year in office. The priorities of a leader are reflected in their governance — whether they serve the people or chase the preservation of their own power. In Maryam Nawaz's case, her focus is unmistakably on the well-being of Punjab's 140 million citizens. One of her most admirable traits is her balanced approach to leadership. She encourages and rewards high performance, but does not hesitate to reprimand negligence. Her firm belief in merit, accountability, and reward motivates her entire team to deliver with dedication and responsibility. As a result, Maryam Nawaz's popularity continues to grow across all segments of society. She has become the people's first choice for leadership in Punjab. Even her political opponents, in private conversations, are beginning to acknowledge her success — a fact echoed by recent public surveys. Maryam Nawaz's effective governance has inspired citizens in other provinces to wish for leadership of similar vision and capability. Her rise is not just a political success; it's a beacon of hope for progressive, people-centered governance in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Steps taken to deal with drug abuse challenge: Azma
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, has said that there is no place for drug addicts in Punjab anymore. 'The Punjab government has established a dedicated police force to confront the growing menace of drug abuse and assist in the rehabilitation of addicts,' she said while sharing a video of the Anti-Narcotics Force's inauguration by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on social media. Azma Bokhari emphasised that a zero-tolerance policy against drugs is now in effect across the province. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to making Punjab drug-free, adding that every possible step is being taken to protect the youth from falling into the trap of substance abuse. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Country's first electric tram arrives
Lahore is set to see electric trams on its roads, marking a new milestone following the Metro Bus, Orange Line Metro Train, Speedo feeder buses, and Electro Green buses. The first electric tram, imported from China, has arrived in the city and is currently being assembled at the Ali Town Depot. Officials said the tram, designed to operate without a conventional rail track, will initially run as a pilot project along the Canal Road. A demonstration for senior government officials and transport specialists is expected in the first or second week of August at the Lahore Expo Centre. The state-of-the-art tram consists of three interconnected compartments and can carry more than 200 passengers. Fully electric, it can travel up to 27 kilometres on a 10-minute charge. Although capable of autonomous operation through a digital navigation system, it will be manually operated by drivers in Pakistan due to safety considerations. The vehicle is equipped with steering controls and is designed to operate alongside regular traffic without requiring significant infrastructure changes. "This is the latest technology, recently introduced in cities like Abu Dhabi and two Chinese urban centres, and soon to begin operations in Budapest," said Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan. "We are optimistic that Lahore and Gujranwala will see this service before Budapest." The minister added that the tram would operate along the Canal Road corridor, from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura, during the trial phase. Authorities will monitor the tram's interaction with existing traffic and assess whether a dedicated lane is necessary. However, constructing such a lane could involve cutting trees and road expansion — options the government aims to avoid to keep project costs under control. A test run is also proposed for Main Boulevard, Gulberg. If successful, the tram system may be expanded to other cities, including Faisalabad and Gujranwala, during the current fiscal year. The initiative is part of Punjab's five-year transport modernisation strategy approved earlier this year. At a February meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, officials outlined plans for an Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system, a cutting-edge, trackless electric bus network modelled after systems already operational in Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, and Qatar. The ART vehicles will feature three coaches, accommodating up to 300 passengers, with onboard Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, and rapid charging capabilities at solar-powered smart stations. The system is designed to reduce the need for specialised tracks, making it cost-efficient and space-saving. "The goal is to introduce modern public transportation not just in major urban centres, but also in smaller cities across Punjab," said the CM. "This initiative will improve quality of life and reduce disparities across the province." The ART system is expected to be rolled out in 10 cities over three phases, beginning with Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Lahore set to launch Pakistan's first electric tram
Listen to article Lahore is set to see electric trams on its roads, marking a new milestone following the Metro Bus, Orange Line Metro Train, Speedo feeder buses, and Electro Green buses. The first electric tram, imported from China, has arrived in the city and is currently being assembled at the Ali Town Depot. Officials said the tram, designed to operate without a conventional rail track, will initially run as a pilot project along the Canal Road. A demonstration for senior government officials and transport specialists is expected in the first or second week of August at the Lahore Expo Centre. The state-of-the-art tram consists of three interconnected compartments and can carry more than 200 passengers. Fully electric, it can travel up to 27 kilometres on a 10-minute charge. Although capable of autonomous operation through a digital navigation system, it will be manually operated by drivers in Pakistan due to safety considerations. The vehicle is equipped with steering controls and is designed to operate alongside regular traffic without requiring significant infrastructure changes. 'This is the latest technology, recently introduced in cities like Abu Dhabi and two Chinese urban centres, and soon to begin operations in Budapest,' said Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan. 'We are optimistic that Lahore and Gujranwala will see this service before Budapest.' Also Read: Eight SBCA officers get bail in building collapse case The minister added that the tram would operate along the Canal Road corridor, from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura, during the trial phase. Authorities will monitor the tram's interaction with existing traffic and assess whether a dedicated lane is necessary. However, constructing such a lane could involve cutting trees and road expansion — options the government aims to avoid to keep project costs under control. A test run is also proposed for Main Boulevard, Gulberg. If successful, the tram system may be expanded to other cities, including Faisalabad and Gujranwala, during the current fiscal year. The initiative is part of Punjab's five-year transport modernisation strategy approved earlier this year. At a February meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, officials outlined plans for an Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system, a cutting-edge, trackless electric bus network modelled after systems already operational in Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, and Qatar. Read More: Commercial waste pollutes water bodies in K-P The ART vehicles will feature three coaches, accommodating up to 300 passengers, with onboard Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, and rapid charging capabilities at solar-powered smart stations. The system is designed to reduce the need for specialised tracks, making it cost-efficient and space-saving. 'The goal is to introduce modern public transportation not just in major urban centres, but also in smaller cities across Punjab,' said the CM. 'This initiative will improve quality of life and reduce disparities across the province.' The ART system is expected to be rolled out in 10 cities over three phases, beginning with Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Sport
- Business Recorder
PBCC gets cricket stadium; Indian blind cricket team invited
LAHORE: Punjab Sports Department handed over the control of Asia's first designated Blind Cricket Stadium to Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) at an impressive ceremony held at Nishtar Park Sports Complex E-Library and Youth Centre on Monday. Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar was the chief guest on this occasion. Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Muzaffar Khan Sial, Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry, Director Admin Dr M Kaleem, Director Youth Affairs Syed Omair Hasan, Divisional Sports Officer Tanveer Abbas and members and officials of World Champion Pakistan Blind Cricket Team were also present on this occasion. Divisional Sports Officer Tanveer Abbas and PBCC Syed Sultan Shah singed the handing over documents at the ceremony. Addressing the ceremony, Provincial Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that the Blind Cricket Stadium at Rakh Jhedu is a gift from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for Blind Cricket Team. 'Pakistan is the first country in Asia to build a dedicated cricket stadium for blind cricket team. I congratulated the National Blind cricket team on this great achievement,' he said, adding: 'There is no doubt that the National Blind cricket team has won several coveted world titles for the country'. Faisal Ayub Khokhar invited Indian blind cricket team to play competitive cricket against Pakistan team at this venue. 'We are quite upbeat that Pakistan team once again will beat India at the newly constructed stadium. There is no doubt that India had more resources than Pakistan but even then they don't have a single stadium dedicated for their national blind cricket team.' He further said that Punjab Sports Department has completed the construction of Blind Cricket stadium with full dedication for which I paid tribute to the entire team of Punjab Sports Department. 'Probably, today is the biggest day in the last one and half year'. Sharing more details, he announced that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will inaugurate the International Squash Complex at Nishtar Park Sports Complex and first baseball ground of the province within two months' period. 'Punjab Sports Department is promoting true sports culture across the province in accordance with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz,' he said. Earlier, Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Muzaffar Khan Sial presented a welcome address stating that pedal tennis courts are being constructed in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi. 'A state-of-the-art volleyball complex is also being constructed in Lahore, he said.' He further said that other special children will also be able to play at the newly constructed Blind Cricket Stadium. 'Punjab Sports Department is taking effective measures for the promotion of sports culture across all districts of the province,' he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
