Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari has stated that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial government has launched comprehensive and result-oriented development and welfare initiatives across south Punjab, resulting in visible improvements to the lives of millions of people.
Key Welfare Programs Transforming South Punjab
In a statement issued on Sunday, Bokhari highlighted that electric buses have introduced a major revolution in modern, environmentally friendly, and quality public transport. The 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' programme has emerged as the largest housing initiative in the province's history, benefiting numerous families throughout south Punjab. Additionally, the Kissan Card and Livestock Card schemes have revitalized the rural economy by providing financial support to farmers and livestock breeders.
The minister noted that the Chief Minister School Meal Programme has significantly improved educational standards, students' health, and school enrollment rates. Initiatives such as Suthra Punjab, Clean Water, and beautification projects are transforming both urban and rural areas, while extensive road infrastructure development has strengthened connectivity and accelerated economic activity across south Punjab.
Welfare Packages and Peace Restoration
Bokhari further mentioned that welfare programmes including the Ramazan Nigehban Package, Dhee Rani Programme, and Minority Welfare initiatives are providing relief to millions of deserving families. She described the restoration of peace in the Kacha areas as a historic achievement, stating that it has strengthened the writ of the state and opened a new chapter of development and public welfare.
Education and Digital Inclusion
Highlighting achievements in the education sector, Azma Bokhari said that 10,244 laptops have been distributed among students in south Punjab, while 33,004 scholarships have been awarded to talented and deserving students to promote higher education and digital inclusion. Under the electric bus service project, 125 buses are operational across south Punjab, including 24 in Dera Ghazi Khan, 12 in Muzaffargarh, 22 in Bahawalpur, 18 in Rahim Yar Khan, 15 in Bahawalnagar, and 15 in Rajanpur, providing modern and affordable transport facilities.
Bike Scheme and Housing Initiative
The minister added that 8,444 bikes have been distributed among students under the Punjab bike scheme, comprising 1,371 electric bikes and 7,073 petrol bikes, improving mobility and access to education. Regarding the 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' programme, deserving families are receiving financial assistance of up to Rs1.5 million for housing. She noted that 64,390 applications have been received from Multan, 60,530 from Muzaffargarh, and 45,450 from Bahawalpur, reflecting strong public confidence in the initiative.
Livestock Card and School Meal Programme
Bokhari further stated that under the Livestock Card programme, a credit limit exceeding Rs32.86 billion has been allocated for livestock farmers in Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Cholistan, while 12,479 farmer accounts have been activated to facilitate easy access to financial support. The Punjab government has invested Rs13 billion in the Chief Minister School Meal Programme to improve nutrition and educational outcomes. The programme has expanded from 3,527 schools to 8,319 schools, benefiting approximately 1.19 million students. So far, more than 116.3 million milk packs and 21.7 million biscuit packs have been distributed among schoolchildren.
Infrastructure and Environmental Initiatives
The minister reiterated that Suthra Punjab, Clean Water, and beautification initiatives are aimed at improving living standards and creating a cleaner environment for citizens. Thousands of kilometres of roads have been constructed and rehabilitated, significantly enhancing connectivity and economic growth in the region. With peace restored in the Kacha areas, long-neglected regions are now entering the mainstream of development and prosperity. She concluded by saying that CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif's vision of 'One Punjab, Equal Development' is being translated into reality through practical measures and tangible results rather than mere slogans.
