Latest news with #MinorityCard
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
CM Maryam, MPAs discuss welfare projects
LAHORE: 'Together, we have to make Punjab a model province, serving the people is our mission,' said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in a meeting with MPAs Muhammad Ahmed Khan Leghari and Naeem Akhtar Khan Bhabha to discuss progress of ongoing welfare projects, solutions to public problems and development issues of their respective constituencies. She added, 'Education and financial independence of youth are my top priorities.' She highlighted, 'We want to bring benefits of development to every section of the province.' The visiting Members of the Provincial Assembly appreciated Madam Chief Minister's ongoing development and welfare projects in the province. They acknowledged, 'Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has won hearts of people in a short span of time through her transparent governance and revolutionary initiatives.' They added, 'Kisan Card, Minority Card, Ration Card, Humat Card and Education Card are the best measures for equal participation of all in development.' They noted, 'Madam Chief Minister has also won hearts of students with Honahar scholarships, laptops and e-bikes schemes.' MPA Naeem Akhtar Khan Bhabha thanked Madam Chief Minister for starting the construction and expansion project of Multan-Vehari Road. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to start classes at Vehari Girls College on the request of Naeem Bhabha, and tasked the Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat to start these classes after the summer break. She also directed the relevant authorities to bring water scheme project to Fort Monroe on the request of MPA Muhammad Ahmed Leghari. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
18-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Punjab launches country's largest assistive devices program
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday launched Pakistan's largest assistive devices initiative for persons with disabilities, aiming to empower thousands across the province through improved mobility and access to essential support equipment. More than 300 persons with disabilities attended the launch ceremony in Lahore, where emotional scenes highlighted the impact of the program. In one poignant moment, the chief minister personally escorted a young man, Aqeel, who had lost his arm in an accident, to the stage. Another moving instance saw a child named Sohail use a neuro-controlled prosthetic arm to move his hand for the first time, prompting applause as he exchanged a high-five with the chief minister. Speaking at the event, Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her government's commitment to inclusivity. 'Persons with disabilities are the responsibility of the state, and it is our collective duty to ensure they have access to all necessary resources,' she said. 'A physical limitation does not equate to a lack of ability.' She praised Punjab's Social Welfare Minister Sohail Shoukat Butt and his team, describing their work as vital to achieving her government's social welfare goals. 'You hold one of the most important ministries, one with the power to turn this vision into reality,' she said, applauding initiatives like the Himmat Card and Dhee Rani programs. The chief minister also outlined her administration's accessibility efforts, noting that all public facilities have been directed to install wheelchair ramps. She urged persons with disabilities to register on the government's social welfare portal for home delivery of mobility aids and other assistive devices. 'I want to reach every person waiting behind closed doors for the state to appear,' she said. 'Whether it is the Himmat Card, Minority Card, Dastak Program, or Nigehbaan Ramzan Package, our goal is to ensure everyone receives their due rights.' Concluding her address, Maryam Nawaz said, 'I'm happy power is now in the hands of those who genuinely care. If leaders have sincere intentions, God provides the means to serve the people.' Earlier, Minister Sohail Shoukat Butt shared details of the Rs1 billion program, which will distribute assistive devices, including manual, electric, and motorized wheelchairs; tricycles; tri-motorcycles; walking aids; mobile toilet chairs; pediatric wheelchairs; and joystick-controlled chairs, free of charge across Punjab. Hearing aids and artificial limbs will also be provided as per individual needs.
1732012115-0%2FUntitled-design-(14)1732012115-0.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Express Tribune
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CM Punjab delivers message on Holi, emphasising love, peace, and brotherhood
Listen to article Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has reiterated that the protection of minorities' lives and property is a top priority for her government, calling it a "red-line" that will be safeguarded at all costs. In her message on the occasion of the Hindu festival of Holi, she emphasised the importance of the occasion as a symbol of love, peace, and brotherhood, Express News reported. She noted that Pakistan is a harmonious blend of various religious communities, all of which enjoy equal rights and opportunities. Maryam Nawaz further stated that Punjab, the land of Sufis, is committed to fostering an environment of love, tolerance, and mutual respect, where every citizen, irrespective of their religion, feels safe and empowered. The government is taking practical steps to ensure the welfare of minority communities, providing equal access to education, health, employment, and other essential services. She highlighted that the introduction of the Minority Card is an important initiative to support economically disadvantaged members of the minority community. Additionally, the provincial government has increased grants for religious festivals and cultural celebrations, and allocated additional funds for minority welfare programs. Punjab's government is also working towards celebrating religious and cultural festivals at the official level, ensuring that the rights and traditions of all communities are honoured. Earlier this year, Punjab Chief Minister increased the number of Minority Cards to the issued in the province to 75,000 from 50,000. Launching Pakistan's first Chief Minister Minority Card in a ceremony attended by women and men from the Hindu, Sikh, Christian and other communities, she said, "It is our responsibility to protect the minority communities and improve their lives. I am fulfilling my duty to grant protection to the minorities with full responsibility." She added, "We will hinder the path of those who endanger the lives and property of the minority communities with an iron hand. Minorities also have an equal role in the development of Pakistan. Whenever any dangerous situation emerges for the minorities, I myself monitor and oversee it as minorities are a symbol of pride for us." She distributed the cards and observed the transaction process via ATM of a beneficiary. Provincial Minority Affairs Minister Ramesh Singh Arora expressed gratitude to the CM in Punjabi language. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "The Punjab government has launched the Minority Card for the well-being of our sisters, brothers, elders and children so that they should realise that they are also Pakistanis and Punjabis. I am not making a political statement but everyone should realise that the minorities are also as much a part of our beloved homeland as other Pakistanis. The name 'minority' has been given in Pakistan to which I disagree." She added, "I am pleased to see that the rightful owners are happy to receive their right as all religions are united in a strong bond." She said messages of felicitation had been received from all over the world on the appointment of the first Sikh minister in the Punjab cabinet. She added, "My father Muhammad Nawaz Sharif always forbade me from using the word minority for the communities. They may be fewer in number, but are no less than anyone with regard to patriotism and humanity. I deem it imperative to participate in every festivity of the Sikh, Hindu and Christian communities." The chief minister said all commissioners and DCs had been directed to decorate the minorities' places of worship and neighbourhoods for every religious festival, including Holi and Easter. She said the PML-N government had increased the budget of the minority affairs department. She said 50,000 families in Punjab would receive Rs10,500 after every three months and the amount would be increased in the coming years, while number of beneficiary households would be hiked to 75,000. She added that Rs10,500 was a meagre amount but a token gift on behalf of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and the Punjab government. She said the grant issued on the eve of minority festivals had been increased from Rs10,000 to Rs15,000. "Neighbourhoods and religious places of the minority communities are also being developed. A cemetery for the Christian community will be ready in a few months. The annual development budget for the minority communities has been increased by 60 per cent," she added. Bishop Nadeem Kamran, Sardar Saranjit Singh and Pandit Lal prayed on the occasion.
