LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her message on the Foundation Day of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), said October 24 marked the establishment of the Azad Government in Kashmir.
She said the Kashmir freedom movement was a saga of sacrifices, passion and self-respect. The chief minister said the valiant people of the state of Jammu and Kashmir had laid the foundation of the freedom movement by raising the banner of revolt against the occupying forces.
She said the United Nations resolution on the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people remained a heavy burden on the conscience of the international community.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the liberation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir was already written in the book of destiny.
Benefits of Low-Cost Development Schemes Like Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar Recognised Worldwide: CM Maryam Nawaz
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her special message on World Development Information Day, said access to development-related information was a public right and an informed population was a hallmark of progress.
She said World Development Information Day highlighted the need to raise public awareness about digital literacy. Accurate information about development initiatives was essential to eliminating corruption and ensuring that the benefits of public welfare schemes reached people directly.
The chief minister said the provision of accurate information through digital technology could help achieve sustainable development goals. A just society could be built by disseminating accurate information and raising public awareness about development affairs.
She said accurate data from the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry was helping eliminate poverty and deprivation while ensuring effective development.
Maryam Nawaz said a historic era of development had begun in Punjab, with progress reaching every city, town and village. The construction and rehabilitation of more than 45,000 kilometres of roads and the establishment of state-of-the-art Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics were prominent examples of this progress.
She said equitable development across the province could uplift underprivileged segments of society.
The chief minister said the people of Punjab were strongly encouraging the provincial government’s development projects.
She added that the benefits of low-cost development schemes such as Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar had been recognised worldwide.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the Information Department was rendering valuable services to raise public awareness about development initiatives. Development support communication laid the foundation for progress, and measures were being taken to ensure public access to development-related information.
CM Maryam Nawaz reaffirms commitment to complete eradication of polio from Punjab
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her message on World Polio Day, reaffirmed her commitment to the complete eradication of polio disease from Punjab, declaring frontline polio workers national heroes and paying tribute to their dedication and services.
“Alhamdulillah, Punjab is polio-free,” the chief minister said, urging parents and communities to extend full cooperation to polio teams in the fight against the disease.
She said refusing polio vaccination amounted to denying children a better and safer future. The full cooperation of parents and every member of society was essential to achieving complete eradication of polio and building a healthy society.
The chief minister said polio drops were completely safe, effective and vital for protecting children’s lives and health. She urged parents to ensure that children under five received two drops of the polio vaccine during every vaccination campaign.
By the grace of Allah Almighty, no polio case had been reported in Punjab so far this year, she said, adding that the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre and the Health Department were actively working to ensure the complete eradication of the disease.
Under the anti-polio campaign, more than 10 million children under the age of five had been administered polio drops in 13 high-risk districts, she said. Regular anti-polio campaigns were also being conducted in Lahore and other districts of Punjab.
Preparations had been completed for the Sub-National Polio Campaign scheduled to run from November 2 to 8, 2026, in selected districts of Punjab, alongside the nationwide campaign.
The chief minister said environmental samples were being continuously tested across the province to monitor and prevent the spread of the virus.
District Health Management Teams (DHMTs), representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF and the administration were monitoring the campaign, she added.
CM Maryam Nawaz said the anti-polio drive was making progress, but warned that without sustained efforts, polio could unfortunately return.
She called for continued public cooperation to protect children and ensure a healthier, polio-free future for Punjab.
CM’s Special Assistant Shoaib Mirza Reviews Public Facilities in Dera Ghazi Khan
Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Shoaib Mirza, visited Dera Ghazi Khan and inspected Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital, the ongoing city beautification scheme, cleanliness arrangements under the Suthra Punjab initiative and street lighting facilities.
During his visit to Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital, Mr Mirza reviewed cleanliness, medical facilities, availability of medicines and services being provided to patients. He visited various wards and interacted with patients and their attendants to inquire about treatment, provision of medicines and the conduct of medical staff.
Taking notice of shortcomings in hospital administration and negligence in official duties, he ordered the suspension of two deputy medical superintendents (DMSs). He also directed the hospital administration to address the identified deficiencies and improve cleanliness arrangements.
Later, Mr Mirza inspected the ongoing beautification scheme in Dera Ghazi Khan and reviewed the quality and progress of development work. He directed the relevant authorities to rectify the identified shortcomings and complete all projects at the earliest while ensuring the prescribed standards.
Reviewing cleanliness measures under the chief minister’s Suthra Punjab initiative, he expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. During his city visit, he also directed the immediate repair or replacement, where necessary, of faulty streetlights to improve public facilities and maintain the city’s appearance.
Mr Mirza said the provision of quality healthcare, effective cleanliness arrangements and timely completion of development projects were among Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s top priorities. He made it clear that negligence in these matters would not be tolerated.
Reported By: Staff Reporter I Lahore
