Southern Punjab: Welfare initiatives improving the lives of people: Azma

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government has launched comprehensive and result-oriented development and welfare initiatives in South Punjab, the positive impacts of which are directly improving the lives of the people.

She said that electric buses represent a major revolution in modern, eco-friendly, and quality public transport, while the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme has emerged as the largest housing initiative in the province’s history, benefiting millions of citizens across South Punjab. She added that the Kissan Card and Livestock Card schemes have injected new life into the rural economy, while the School Meal Programme has significantly improved education standards, health conditions, and school enrollment rates.

According to her, initiatives such as Suthra Punjab, Clean Water, and beautification projects reflect a visible transformation in both urban and rural areas, while road infrastructure development has completely reshaped connectivity and boosted economic activity in South Punjab.

Azma Bokhari further said that Ramadan Package, “Dhee Rani Programme”, Minority Card, and other welfare initiatives are ensuring large-scale public relief, while the restoration of peace and stability in Kacha areas is a historic achievement of the Punjab government, marking a strengthened writ of the state and a new era of public welfare.

She stated that under the education-focused vision of the Chief Minister, 10,244 laptops have been distributed among students across South Punjab, while 33,004 scholarships have been awarded to deserving and talented students to promote higher education and digital access.

She said that under the electric bus service, 125 buses are successfully 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 transport facilities to the public.

She further highlighted that 8,444 bikes have been distributed under the bike scheme, including 1,371 electric bikes and 7,073 petrol bikes, aimed at facilitating students in South Punjab.

She said that the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme is providing financial assistance of up to PKR 1.5 million to deserving families, with millions already benefiting from the scheme. So far, 64,390 applications have been received from Multan, 60,530 from Muzaffargarh, and 45,450 from Bahawalpur, reflecting strong public trust in the initiative. Thousands of families across all districts of South Punjab are receiving housing loans under this programme.

She added that under the Livestock Card initiative, a total credit limit of over PKR 32.86 billion has been allocated for livestock farmers in Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Cholistan, with 12,479 farmer accounts being activated to ensure easy financial support.

Azma Bokhari further said that the Punjab government has invested PKR 13 billion under the Chief Minister School Meal Programme to improve nutrition and education outcomes. The programme has expanded from 3,527 to 8,319 schools, covering 1.19 million students, with over 116.3 million milk packets and 21.7 million biscuit packets already distributed.

She said that Suthra Punjab, Clean Water, and beautification initiatives reflect the government’s vision of providing better living standards and a cleaner environment.

She added that thousands of kilometres of road networks have been constructed and rehabilitated, significantly improving connectivity and boosting economic activity in South Punjab.

She further stated that Ramazan Nigehban Package, “Dhee Rani Programme”, Minority Welfare initiatives, and other social protection schemes are providing direct relief to millions of families.

Azma Bokhari said that after the restoration of peace in the Kacha areas, a new phase of development has begun, bringing long-neglected regions into the mainstream of progress.

She concluded that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of “One Punjab, Equal Development” is being translated into reality through practical actions rather than slogans.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026