Lahore (Bureau Report):
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has stated that good governance is the best form of politics and stressed that no discrimination exists among provinces in the distribution of resources.
Addressing participants of the National Workshop Balochistan during a meeting in the provincial capital, the Chief Minister said she was pleased to meet the delegation and described Baloch students as valued guests. She added that upon learning of their request for a meeting, she immediately arranged it.
Maryam Nawaz said Punjab is the most populous province, and the perception that it receives more funds is incorrect. She clarified that federal funds are allocated to provinces strictly on the basis of population, and claims of unfair distribution have no factual basis.
Emphasizing unity, the Chief Minister said that she has never discriminated among students from different provinces. “We must not divide ourselves as Punjabi, Sindhi or Baloch, as such divisions weaken the country,” she remarked, adding that students from all provinces are studying in Punjab’s educational institutions.
The Chief Minister further stated that a culture of favoritism has been eliminated in Punjab and that appointments are now being made purely on merit. She noted that these negative practices had prevailed over the past five years, but her government believes in serving the public without discrimination.
Highlighting law and order measures, Maryam Nawaz said there are areas in the province where no crime is reported for days, while harassment incidents have significantly declined due to the actions of the Crime Control Department (CCD). She said the performance of the CCD has set an unprecedented example, and providing a safe environment for women remains a top priority.
Speaking about welfare initiatives, the Chief Minister said that under the Apna Ghar Scheme, around 500 houses are being constructed daily, and so far 65,000 houses have been completed. She added that Punjab’s doors are open to people from other provinces and that the country’s future lies in the hands of the youth.
Addressing young participants, she advised them not to fall into misleading narratives, stating that they are the bearers of Pakistan’s flag and the future of the nation rests with them.
Maryam Nawaz also highlighted key development projects, including the launch of Punjab’s first air ambulance service, expansion of the road network across the province, extension of the Safe Cities project, and plans to establish cardiac hospitals during her tenure.