Maryam Nawaz Unveils Livestock Card Scheme and Development Initiatives in Punjab
“We are here to serve the people,” Maryam said
PAKPATTAN: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the Chief Minister Livestock Card scheme in Pakpattan, announcing a Rs20 billion initiative aimed at enhancing the welfare of farmers, improving livestock productivity, and advancing infrastructure across the province.
At the ceremony, the CM shared that the livestock card program will provide Rs270,000 over four months to beneficiaries, enabling them to purchase quality fodder and improve livestock health. Maryam emphasized that the initiative would not only increase the weight of animals but also enhance productivity. She also revealed that an additional 90,000 beneficiaries will be included in the program next year. Furthermore, the CM highlighted that Rs9 billion had been allocated for vaccinations and to boost local vaccine production.
Additionally, farmers will soon have access to agricultural machinery across all tehsils with a return policy after use. As part of her government’s support for veterinary services, 35 motorcycles have been distributed to veterinary assistants.
A major focus of the CM’s reforms is the agriculture sector, with a Rs400 billion package introduced to provide subsidies on fertilizers and seeds, aiming to combat black market practices and ensure affordability for farmers.
The CM also spotlighted the success of the ‘Apna Ghar, Apna Chhat’ program, revealing that over 700,000 applications have been received for affordable housing. The initiative will result in the construction of 100,000 homes in the first year, with a long-term goal to build 500,000 houses in five years.
In a major boost for youth entrepreneurship, Maryam Nawaz announced the provision of interest-free loans of up to Rs30 million to support young entrepreneurs without the burden of repayment interest.
The CM outlined several infrastructure projects set to begin soon, including the launch of metro bus services in Faisalabad and Gujranwala next year, and the inauguration of the Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Hospital in Sargodha in June. Additionally, a province-wide sanitation system upgrade is already in progress.
In a commitment to improving transparency and efficiency, Maryam announced the establishment of a call center to monitor development schemes and track progress, promising personal oversight of the projects.
Special initiatives for women’s empowerment were also discussed, particularly for widows and low-income women in South Punjab, with provisions for livestock and assets to support them in regions like DG Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, and Multan.
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Maryam Nawaz took a strong stance against the previous government’s use of public funds, questioning the lack of progress in public infrastructure projects during their tenure. She highlighted her administration’s commitment to ensuring economic recovery, tackling inflation, and delivering better living standards for the people of Punjab.
“We are here to serve the people,” Maryam concluded, reaffirming the PML-N government’s commitment to driving development and improving quality of life across Punjab.
