The true measure of any government lies in its style of governance and the seriousness with which it addresses the problems of its people. There is a world of difference between delivering speeches filled with promises and providing genuine relief. The injustices suffered by various segments of Punjab’s population between 2018 and 2022 are now being addressed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
After two years and four months in office, the Punjab government under Maryam Nawaz has ensured that no sector of society has been left without meaningful relief. She firmly believes that the resources of Punjab belong first and foremost to the people of Punjab and must be utilized for their welfare.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Punjab’s economy and plays a vital role in Pakistan’s overall prosperity. The reforms introduced in the agricultural sector over the past two years are unprecedented. Farmers themselves acknowledge that Maryam Nawaz has restored their dignity and provided practical support rather than empty promises. Before her tenure, they were accustomed to hearing speeches from government representatives, but meaningful action was largely absent.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has introduced transformative initiatives in both the agriculture and transport sectors. As Pakistan’s most populous province, Punjab requires extensive public investment, and her government has consistently accelerated the delivery of essential services and development projects.
No previous administration has provided as much support to farmers as the present government. From Pakistan’s independence until 2022, a total of 20,000 tractors were distributed across Punjab, with the majority allocated during the tenure of Shehbaz Sharif. In contrast, within just two years, the Maryam Nawaz government has distributed 30,000 Green Tractors, offering a subsidy of up to Rs1 million on each tractor. In addition, 1,000 Green Tractors have been provided free of cost to wheat growers.
For a farmer, owning a tractor is a transformative asset. Today, 30,000 Green Tractors are operating across Punjab, enabling thousands of farmers to increase agricultural productivity. In the next phase of the programme, another 20,000 Green Tractors will be distributed through a transparent balloting process.
The government has also launched Punjab’s first-ever Kissan Card programme, distributing 900,000 cards, with the target set to reach one million beneficiaries by next month. Furthermore, an initiative to solarize 8,000 tube wells has been introduced, while 5,000 Super Seeders have been distributed to promote modern and sustainable farming practices.
The establishment of Agriculture Malls in Faisalabad, Jhang, Okara and Khanewal has provided farmers with a one-stop facility where all essential agricultural services are available under one roof. As a result of these comprehensive measures, wheat production has increased significantly, and a similar rise in rice production is expected during the current cultivation season.
Another landmark initiative of Maryam Nawaz’s government is the introduction of Green Electric Buses. During the intense summer season, ordinary citizens are benefiting from modern, air-conditioned buses equipped with Wi-Fi, offering a comfortable, affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
Today, more than 1,100 electric buses are operating across Punjab, providing quality transport services to hundreds of thousands of passengers every day. The Chief Minister has announced that electric buses will be introduced in all 147 tehsils of Punjab. Over the next five years, a fleet of 5,000 electric buses will serve the province, with 1,500 buses currently being allocated to 91 tehsils.
The Punjab government has also prioritized the mobility and empowerment of students. During the first year of her administration, Maryam Nawaz distributed 2,178 electric bikes to students across both urban and rural districts without discrimination. South Punjab has consistently received special attention in all major development initiatives.
The Chief Minister has now announced the distribution of an additional 100,000 motorcycles for students, while government employees will also be eligible under the expanded scheme. Introduced under the slogan “Empowerment Through Personal Mobility,” the initiative reflects her commitment to making both young men and women more independent.
As in the previous phase, the Chief Minister will personally bear the down payment and registration fee for female students, reinforcing her commitment to women’s empowerment. The programme is designed to improve educational access, reduce transportation costs, promote environmentally friendly mobility, and strengthen the financial independence of Punjab’s youth.
The distinguishing feature of Maryam Nawaz’s administration is that its initiatives are not confined to official files or closed-door meetings; they are being implemented on the ground with visible results. This practical approach clearly differentiates the Punjab government from other provincial administrations.
The Chief Minister’s priorities are clear: the resources and treasury of Punjab belong to its people, and they are being utilized with transparency, integrity and responsibility for public welfare.
The Punjab government is not in competition with any other province. Instead, it welcomes every provincial government interested in learning from its successful initiatives. Just as Punjab has distributed 100,000 laptops and awarded 80,000 scholarships to students, it hopes that young people across Pakistan will also benefit from similar opportunities.
Many politicians describe youth as the nation’s future, but few provincial governments have translated those words into meaningful action. Maryam Nawaz’s administration has demonstrated its commitment through concrete policies and large-scale programmes aimed at empowering young people.
Today, Maryam Nawaz’s style of governance has become her defining identity, not only across Pakistan but internationally. Punjab has emerged as the only province whose development initiatives have received widespread global recognition. The reason is straightforward: every project is being implemented on the principles of merit, transparency and accountability.
Independent public surveys conducted over the past two years have consistently ranked the Punjab government and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz at the top in terms of governance and public performance. That, above all, remains the most significant achievement of her administration to date.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
The writer is Information Minister, Punjab