Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed confidence that Pakistan is on the brink of progress, despite ongoing opposition protests. She criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its “politics of chaos” and for undermining the country’s economy.
In her address at the cheque distribution ceremony for the CM Punjab Asaan Karobaar Programme, Maryam stated, “The people of Pakistan are tired of violence and chaos… they are now witnessing improvements in their lives.” She took aim at the previous government’s handling of the economy, accusing them of pushing inflation to 38% and driving foreign investment away during their tenure.
Highlighting her government’s achievements, Maryam pointed out that the Punjab government was constructing 700 new roads across the province. She responded to PTI’s criticism of such infrastructure projects, questioning, “If building roads doesn’t bring development, can siege and destruction bring it?” She also added that the youth of Pakistan are now aware of who has harmed their future.
Maryam emphasized that accusations and insults are easy, but swift changes in fortune have left those responsible facing consequences, referencing PTI’s Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail.
She further underlined that the country cannot afford instability, stating that if Pakistan doesn’t progress now, many young people will lose hope. “The opposition is struggling to accept Punjab’s progress,” she remarked, referring to the recent altercation between PTI’s Fawad Chaudhry and lawyer Shoaib Shaheen.
Regarding the Asaan Karobaar Programme, the CM shared that her government was offering interest-free loans ranging from Rs1 million to Rs30 million to support new businesses, emphasizing that the loans would be granted solely on merit, with no favoritism.
Maryam also highlighted the significant improvement in Pakistan’s economic situation, stating that the inflation rate had decreased from 38% to just 4%. She called for continued support for business growth, noting that the Punjab government had already received 185,000 applications for the programme. “As businesses grow, employment will follow,” she added.
Nawaz Sharif Discusses Punjab’s Progress with MPAs
In a separate development, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif met with Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) from Sahiwal, Khanewal, Multan, Lodhran, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar.
During the meeting, discussions focused on public welfare projects and future political strategies. Nawaz Sharif praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his efforts to stabilize the economy, attributing the country’s recent economic stability to his hard work.
Referring to the PTI’s “change” narrative, Nawaz expressed regret over the negative outcomes of their policies, including corruption, economic instability, and inflation. He asserted that the PML-N had moved away from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and was focused on making the country prosperous.
Maryam concluded by thanking the party leadership for placing their trust in her, reaffirming her commitment to public service and to Pakistan’s development.
