Civil society alliance opposes Yellow Line project
The alliance has sent a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, warning that the project is environmentally damaging, economically unviable, and misaligned with the city's transportation needs.
The signatories include World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP), Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP), HRCP, architect Yasmeen Lari, and urban planner Arif Hasan.
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Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Governor's letter sparks row
An open letter from Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif urging calamity-hit status for flood-affected districts has triggered a strong public response from the provincial government, marking the latest instance of political back-and-forth between coalition partners Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP). Governor Khan, a PPP appointee, wrote an open letter asking the provincial administration to declare Chakwal, Jhelum, and Hafizabad as calamity-hit areas. Following visits to the affected regions, he described extensive damage to roads, bridges, and homes, and urged immediate aid and official designation to accelerate rehabilitation. Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari responded publicly, suggesting the letter bypassed administrative norms. She said relief operations were already under way and led directly by the chief minister. "There was no need for a public letter," she said. "If you truly want to raise the issue, write to your own party or the federal leadership." She pointed out that Maryam Nawaz had already visited Chakwal and issued orders for relief efforts. Bukhari implied the governor's letter was more about optics than urgency, dismissing it as a symbolic gesture that added little to the ground response. In the letter to the chief minister regarding the recent heavy rains in Punjab and the damage caused by flood after his visit to the affected areas of Chakwal, Jhelum and Hafizabad, the governor called for declaring the areas as disaster hit. It called steps to repair the damage caused by the flood as soon as possible, pointing out that life in the affected cities had been severely affected. Bridges connecting cities have been broken and roads washed away, causing difficulties for the people. The houses, livestock and valuables of people have been washed away in the flood, the governor stated. This latest exchange is part of a familiar pattern between the governor and the provincial administration. In November last year, Governor Khan had criticised both the PML-N-led federal and Punjab governments over their handling of a PTI-led protest march. He condemned the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister's use of state machinery for the rally but also questioned the Punjab government's preparedness and criticised the federal response, including the widespread use of shipping containers to block roads. Bukhari, in turn, questioned the governor's priorities and suggested he seemed more focused on opposition politics. She credited Maryam Nawaz's leadership for discouraging Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activities in Punjab during that period. The two sides also disagreed over appointments in higher education. Governor Khan objected to receiving only one nominee per university for vice chancellor's positions, in contrast to the required three-candidate shortlist. "My office is not a post office," he said, insisting legal protocols must be observed. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz defended the process, saying the selections were based on merit and had been thoroughly reviewed. She said any objections should be raised in writing to avoid administrative miscommunication. The information minister later denied claims that the chief minister had accused the governor of lobbying for specific candidates. While the tone of these exchanges has at times turned sharp, political observers view them as routine friction within the framework of coalition politics. Many of these episodes are seen as attempts at public point scoring rather than signs of deep division.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Punjab to hire 2,000 agri interns
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the second phase of an internship programme under which 2,000 agriculture graduates will get a monthly stipend of Rs60,000. Launching the Chief Minister Agriculture Internship Programme Phase-II, she said students pursuing BSc Agriculture and BSc (Hons) Agricultural Engineering are eligible for the scheme. They can submit their applications in the offices of deputy director agriculture (extension) in their districts. Agricultural Helpline 0800-17000 is also active for the internship programme. The chief minister said the quota for agriculture and agricultural engineering graduates in each district had been fixed. The chief minister said,"The agriculture internship programme not only supports farmers but also provides decent employment to the youth." She added,"Kisan Card Programme in Punjab has set new records of success, while Green Tractor and Tube Well Solarisation Programmes for farmers are going on successfully. Model Agriculture Malls are being introduced to provide all facilities to farmers under one roof." In a statement, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to PML-N leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and their economic team on the decision of S&P to upgrade Pakistan's credit. The CM said in her message on World Drowning Prevention Day that recent drowning of several people in floodwaters was extremely painful. "There is a ban on bathing in canals, lakes and rivers throughout Punjab. A earning, sign system and monitoring are being ensured for effective ban on bathing. Rescue 1122 teams are fully mobilised to save public from drowning." She appealed to parents to prevent children from bathing in flooded drains, canals and rivers. The chief minister urged the citizens to keep in mind alerts of the meteorological department and administration to avoid going to dangerous areas during the ongoing rainy season. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also paid tribute to Major Ziyad Saleem and Sepoy Nazim Hussain on embracing martyrdom in a terrorist attack in Mastung.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business Recorder
The secret behind Maryam Nawaz's rising popularity
Over the past year and a half, Punjab has witnessed a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Many of the initiatives launched during this period are unprecedented in the province's history, with few parallels in the past. It is evident from her governance style that Maryam Nawaz came into office with thorough preparation and a clear five-year plan. Launching dozens of public welfare projects within the first year of her government reflects not spontaneity, but strategic groundwork and vision. Maryam Nawaz has proven that she is not only the daughter of a three-time elected Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, but also an astute leader in her own right. Her governance embodies her father's experience, political insight, and strategic thinking. Every initiative she undertakes is rooted in the welfare of the common citizen. One of her most commendable efforts is the formal launch of the Punjab Counter-Narcotics Force (CNF) — the first of its kind in Pakistan. Drug abuse remains a pressing issue worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception. A significant portion of the affected population is the youth, who are often targeted by organized drug mafias. Alarmingly, these mafias have also infiltrated educational institutions. Recognizing the gravity of the problem, Maryam Nawaz established the CNF as a specialized force to counter the drug menace in Punjab. The force has officially commenced operations across the province, with divisional offices and stations already functional. In the second phase, CNF's reach will extend to the district level. Officers and personnel of the CNF have received 12 weeks of professional training at the ANF Academy in Rawalpindi. Take Lahore, for example — areas like Dharampura, Mughalpura, Lal Pul, Ichhra, Chauburji, and Data Darbar were once hotspots for drug addicts, particularly young individuals. Today, such scenes have largely disappeared, demonstrating the tangible impact of CNF's efforts. Under the 18th Amendment, Punjab has emerged as the only province to establish multiple specialized enforcement forces under Maryam Nawaz's leadership. These include: Wildlife Protection Force, Environment Force and Forest Force. PERRA (Punjab Enforcement & Regulatory Authority) – Also known as the Para Force Among these, PERRA holds special significance. It is the first of its kind in Pakistan, dedicated to tackling inflation, hoarding, illegal profiteering, and encroachments across Punjab. This force is active at both district and tehsil levels and is equipped with modern weaponry, advanced 3D-modeled stations, and a dedicated uniformed workforce. Each force has its own Director General and command structure, with new recruitments offering dignified employment to hundreds of young people. In addition, through the 'Sutrah Punjab Project', over 120,000 young individuals have already been provided jobs, further contributing to social and economic stability. Unlike traditional political strategies that revolve around rhetoric and media headlines, Maryam Nawaz's governance is firmly grounded in visible, impactful work. She only inaugurates projects once they are fully operational and ready to serve the public — a departure from the paper-only announcements often seen in past administrations. The people of Punjab are fortunate to have a visionary leader who values discipline, accountability, and progress. Unlike previous Chief Ministers who took a year merely to familiarize themselves with the basics of governance, Maryam Nawaz has already launched over 80 public welfare and relief projects within her first year in office. The priorities of a leader are reflected in their governance — whether they serve the people or chase the preservation of their own power. In Maryam Nawaz's case, her focus is unmistakably on the well-being of Punjab's 140 million citizens. One of her most admirable traits is her balanced approach to leadership. She encourages and rewards high performance, but does not hesitate to reprimand negligence. Her firm belief in merit, accountability, and reward motivates her entire team to deliver with dedication and responsibility. As a result, Maryam Nawaz's popularity continues to grow across all segments of society. She has become the people's first choice for leadership in Punjab. Even her political opponents, in private conversations, are beginning to acknowledge her success — a fact echoed by recent public surveys. Maryam Nawaz's effective governance has inspired citizens in other provinces to wish for leadership of similar vision and capability. Her rise is not just a political success; it's a beacon of hope for progressive, people-centered governance in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
