Punjab’s Minister for Information, Azma Zahid Bokhari, has praised Maryam Nawaz, PML-N leader and daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, for completing over 50 projects during her tenure as Chief Minister of the province.
In a statement released on Monday, Azma Bokhari highlighted that Maryam Nawaz’s impressive performance has earned her a special place in the hearts of the public. “Those who wish to challenge Maryam Nawaz must prove their performance in comparison to hers,” the Information Minister remarked.
“Maryam Nawaz is the first Chief Minister of Punjab to launch more than 80 projects in just one year, with over 50 already completed. Meanwhile, spokespersons from other provinces focus on criticizing the Punjab government’s initiatives as Maryam gains recognition in other parts of the country,” she added.
We now present a list of the projects announced in the first 100 days of her tenure, along with their progress, as reported by the provincial government in June 2024 and published by The Thursday Times:
| Project Name | Start Date | Completed | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nawaz Sharif IT City | Ongoing | No | Job creation, economic growth, tax incentives, investment attraction |
| Ramzan Negahban Package | Ongoing | Yes | Relief for 35 million people, essential item distribution, transparency in aid delivery |
| Nawaz Sharif Kisan Card | Ongoing | No | Financial support for farmers, agricultural subsidies, modern equipment access |
| Solar Panel Scheme | Ongoing | No | Reduced electricity costs, reliable power supply for low-income households |
| Chief Minister Bike Scheme | March 2024 | No | Affordable transportation for students, reduced commuting time |
| Free Medicine Delivery Project | May 4, 2024 | No | Free delivery of essential medicines, improved healthcare access for chronic patients |
| New Field Hospitals | Ongoing | Yes | Accessible healthcare in remote areas, comprehensive medical services |
| Clinics on Wheels | Ongoing | No | Mobile healthcare access for underserved populations, timely medical intervention |
| 2,500 Basic Health Centres | Ongoing | No | Improved healthcare access, reduced burden on major hospitals |
| Upgradation of DHQs & THQs | Ongoing | No | Enhanced healthcare facilities, improved patient care, better emergency services |
| Air Ambulances | Ongoing | No | Rapid medical response, improved access to healthcare in remote areas |
| “Never Again” Project | March 8, 2024 | No | Women’s safety app, support for working mothers, economic independence for women |
| Crackdown on Kites | Ongoing | Yes | Enhanced public safety, reduced kite-related accidents |
| Chief Minister Laptop Scheme | Ongoing | No | Digital literacy enhancement, access to online education for students |
| Cheaper Rotis and Atta | Ongoing | Yes | Reduced food prices, improved affordability for staple items |
| Smart Safe City Project | Ongoing | No | Enhanced security measures, women’s safety initiatives |
| Education for Children with Special Needs | Ongoing | No | Tailored education for differently-abled children, inclusive learning opportunities |
| Hostels for Women Police | Ongoing | No | Improved living conditions for female police officers |
| Wildlife Survey | Ongoing | No | Wildlife conservation, data collection for sustainable practices |
| Virtual Women Police Stations | Ongoing | No | Safe reporting for women, privacy in legal processes |
| Free WiFi Hotspots | Ongoing | No | Improved internet access, support for education and healthcare communication |
| Lahore Garment City | Ongoing | No | Economic growth, job creation, technical training for workers |
| New Expressways | Ongoing | No | Improved connectivity, reduced travel time, enhanced safety |
| Pink Games | May 2, 2024 | Yes | Promotion of women’s sports, increased participation and recognition for female athletes |
Since assuming office as Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz has made significant strides in launching various development initiatives aimed at improving the province’s infrastructure and public services. A recent report from The Express Tribune highlighted the approval of 462 projects under the road rehabilitation program, with work already underway on 455 of these projects. In the first phase, over 25% of the work has been completed, showcasing a clear commitment to revitalizing the province’s transportation networks. The second phase of the program includes 72 approved schemes, with 67 already in progress and 24% of the work completed.
Another key focus area has been the restoration of Punjab’s basic health units, with 1,236 units targeted for renovation. According to the same report, 75% of the work has already been completed, with 54 health units fully restored and 1,164 nearing completion. Critical tasks such as plastering, flooring, and finishing work are currently being carried out at multiple sites, aiming to enhance the quality of healthcare facilities in underserved areas. These initiatives not only showcase Maryam Nawaz’s dedication to improving public welfare but also highlight her government’s resolve to address long-standing infrastructural challenges in the province.
However, while it is essential to acknowledge and commend the positive work being done by politicians like Maryam Nawaz, it is equally important that we maintain a balanced and objective approach when evaluating their performance. Politics, by its nature, involves complex dynamics, and no single individual or party can claim to be perfect. Our duty, as citizens, is to scrutinize the actions of our political leaders—not out of bias, but in the spirit of accountability and transparency. This process should not be about vilifying or championing any political figure, but rather about ensuring that they are held to the highest standards of governance.
It is crucial to laud the work of politicians who are genuinely making efforts to improve the lives of the people they serve. Whether it is through infrastructure projects, educational reforms, or healthcare improvements, these leaders deserve recognition for their contributions to public service. After all, the success of a government is ultimately determined by the tangible benefits it provides to its citizens. Acknowledging these achievements can inspire further progress, encouraging other leaders to step up and work towards a better future for the nation.
At the same time, constructive criticism plays a vital role in shaping the political landscape. When we scrutinize politicians and their policies, it should be done with the intention of improving governance rather than promoting personal or party interests. This form of criticism should be based on facts, rooted in evidence, and aimed at highlighting areas where performance can be improved. It is essential to differentiate between legitimate concerns and baseless attacks, as the latter only serve to further polarize the political environment and detract from meaningful discussions.
Moreover, criticism should not be motivated by personal or political biases. While it is natural for political opinions to vary, we must ensure that our assessments of politicians are based on their work and not on preconceived notions or partisan loyalties. The focus should always be on the policies, their impact on the people, and the overall progress being made. In this way, we can ensure that our political discourse remains fair, informed, and constructive.
In conclusion, we must strike a delicate balance between recognizing the positive contributions of our political leaders and holding them accountable for their actions. Maryam Nawaz’s initiatives, as outlined in the reports, reflect significant progress in key areas such as infrastructure and healthcare, and she deserves praise for these efforts. However, as citizens, it is our responsibility to continue scrutinizing her work and that of all our leaders, through a lens of fairness and objectivity. By doing so, we can foster a political environment where politicians are motivated to deliver their best for the people, and where the public remains engaged in the process of democracy.
Haiderkhan
August 26, 2025Haiderkhan