In a high-level review meeting on Sunday, chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Nawaz, progress in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and industry was assessed. The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to fast-tracking development initiatives for the province’s growth and prosperity.
Boosting Agriculture and Equipment Distribution
To accelerate agricultural development, the chief minister directed the allocation of additional resources to speed up the distribution of tractors and farming equipment. By February 28, an additional 2,000 superseders will be made available to farmers at subsidized rates, complementing the 10,000 tractors already distributed under the Green Tractor Scheme.
Model agricultural estates are also planned for Punjab, focusing on the cultivation and export of citrus fruits, including oranges and kinnow. To further enhance agricultural output, the government will provide resources to modernize farming techniques and set up monitoring systems in each division to educate farmers. An inspector’s office has been approved to oversee agricultural operations and expedite recruitment for the sector.
Solar Energy Expansion and Renewable Energy Projects
The chief minister unveiled plans to expand the free solar energy program to benefit more citizens across Punjab, with additional funding of 6 billion rupees allocated for this purpose. Government buildings will transition to solar energy, with renewable energy projects targeted for completion by June. Solar systems have already been distributed to 404 underprivileged families in remote, electricity-deprived villages.
A fund to generate electricity from waste is also in progress, with its establishment expected by March. The government will review the solar energy transition in institutions like the Punjab Assembly and the Institute of Cardiology, aiming to make sustainable energy more accessible across the province.
Industrial Growth and Technology Advancements
The Garments Cities project in Punjab has been prioritized, with a completion deadline set for March. Plans for a 300-acre Industrial and Technology Park in Narowal and a technology university in Kasur are underway, with feasibility studies directed by the chief minister.
Empowering Communities Through the Dhi Rani Program
Earlier, Maryam Nawaz launched the Dhi Rani Program during a mass wedding ceremony in Lahore, where 51 couples were married. She announced that a record-breaking 1,500 couples would be wed across the province in a single day.
The initiative, with a budget of 1 billion rupees, aims to host 3,000 weddings in its first phase. Couples will receive gifts, including furniture, essential items, and 100,000 rupees through the newly launched Dhi Rani Card.
Comprehensive Development Efforts
The meeting also addressed updates on various ongoing and new projects under the Annual Development Program (ADP). Senior officials, including Nabeel Ahmad Awan and Asif Tufail, provided progress reports, reaffirming the government’s focus on transforming Punjab’s agricultural, industrial, and energy sectors.
With Maryam Nawaz at the helm, Punjab is set to witness significant advancements in sustainable development, modern farming practices, and technological innovation, ensuring a brighter future for its citizens.
