First thing first: this piece of The Side Mirror will become a reference point in the coming time, reminding Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz about her vision, and pledges, she outlined for a progressive and people-centric governance in Punjab on a historic day – February 26, 2024 – on the floor of the house.
Thank you, Maryam Nawaz for your commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, planning helplines for direct communication with the people. Public feedback matters and also the media feedback and suggestions on every project matter a lot.
The upcoming Ramazan is your first test case.
To address the needs of the less privileged during Ramazan, your relief package to be distributed at the doorsteps of deserving people is a good step. This will save white collar class from embarrassment of standing in queues. Ramazan bazaars and price control committee meetings do not work well.
Education has been a cornerstone of the governments of Shehbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif.
Your announcement to provide resources for higher education and creating opportunities for students to study in leading universities worldwide is praiseworthy. The youth will benefit from interest-free loans, training, laptops, iPads, tablets, and expanded internship programs. To bridge the gap in the IT sector, support will be extended to young individuals, including the provision of electric motorbikes.
Your promise to start a teacher training program, induction of new teachers, and resources for schools through public-private partnerships will bring about a positive change.
Now, a few words about health.
Thank you, Maryam Nawaz, that you have assured the presence of doctors in hospitals and prioritise the supply of machinery and medicines. Hopefully, by the end of your term in 2029, Punjab will have more state-of-the-art hospitals in every city, ensuring no one has to travel for treatment.
Punjab has been transformed by first Nawaz Sharif and later on, Shehbaz Sharif.
I hope your rule will be a good tenure for women and girls of Punjab.
You have announced dedicated helplines, motorbikes and scooties for girls, additional hostels for working women, comprehensive workplace facilities, and day-care centers. You have drawn red lines against harassment and have announced a special package for transgender individuals to provide dignified employment.
When you took oath, and when you addressed the house as the chief minister, there was no opposition in the hall. That is against democratic norms. You also acknowledged the absence of opposition members in the house, and expressed your desire for their active participation in the democratic process. You said that “I am the chief minister of all those who did not vote for me”, and this is a wonderful statement. You need to prove yourself a democratic force.
You also said: “I do not have a feeling of revenge in my heart for anyone.” What a great vision, you have.
You placed the picture of Kalsoom Nawaz on your desk. The late Kalsoom Nawaz’s democratic struggle is a bright chapter of democracy of Pakistan. You said that your mother taught you life’s values, and the importance of patience and civility.
This is a wonderful start of the inning.
Maryam Nawaz outlined her transformative vision for the province, focusing on key areas to bring about positive change. You expressed her commitment to providing recreational spaces for children in every union council, aiming to create a network of playgrounds across Punjab.
As the dear chief minister starts her journey, her inaugural address signals a new era in Punjab, marked by inclusivity, gratitude, and a vision for progress. The challenges faced in the past have not bred resentment but rather a determination to serve the people and transform Punjab into a thriving economic hub.
