Latest news with #HimmatCard
Express Tribune
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CM warns against hate speech
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has prayed that may the new Islamic year bring a message of peace and security to the Ummah. "May Allah Almighty make the new Islamic year 1447 a year of peace and progress for Pakistan," she stated In her message on the beginning of the Islamic year. She said, "I pray that may the new Hijri year bring peace, tranquility, prosperity and happiness across the globe. May the new Hijri year become a source of blessing for Pakistan, the Pakistani nation and the entire Islamic world." She highlighted, "The message of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) encourages the oppressed of every era and challenges the oppressor." She said, "The Punjab government has made extraordinary arrangements to ensure an atmosphere of peace and security in Muharramul Haram." She outlined, "Those who spread hatred and sectarianism on social media will be dealt with an iron hand. The Punjab government has imposed a complete ban on drone coverage in gatherings and processions during Muharramul Haram, stern action will be taken against any violation. We are aware of every nefarious designs and negative tactics of our enemy and we as a nation stand united on every front." In another message on International Day of Deaf-Blindness, the CM said, "The patronage and encouragement of deaf-blind people is a collective responsibility of the government and the society." She highlighted, "The Punjab government fully believes that the rehabilitation of the special people is not a favour but their due right. Through 'Himmat Card', we are providing dignified financial support to all the special people, including the deaf-blind. By providing assistive devices to the special people, including the deaf-blind, we are paving the way for them to participate in every social sector in a respectable manner." CM Maryam Nawaz also expressed deep over the drowning of 18 members of a family in Swat River. She has expressed her heartfelt sympathies and condolence to the bereaved families.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab finance minister explains budgetary allocations
LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman dismissed all objections raised by the opposition, declaring the 2025-26 budget as a welfare-oriented budget for the people. The Punjab Assembly approved five demands worth over Rs. 636.65 billion, including allocations for the police, health, and education departments, while rejecting the opposition's cut motions with a majority vote. The assembly session, delayed by 3 hours and 33 minutes, began under the chairmanship of Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. The opposition started chanting slogans upon entering the house. Wrapping up the five-day budget debate, Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman stated that the government had presented a balanced and exemplary budget, fully aligned with public aspirations. A total of 100 treasury members and 62 opposition lawmakers participated in the discussion. The minister highlighted that the Punjab budget was not based on political expediency but on public welfare. He assured that this was a highly progressive budget, with Rs. 1,240 billion allocated for development while Rs 840 billion was allocated in the previous year. Non-development expenditures were significantly reduced, and circular debt was brought down to Rs. 58 billion. The food account was reduced from Rs. 468 billion to Rs. 68 billion for the first time. The government completed 6,104 development schemes and allocated a historic budget for education, including Rs. 37 billion for the CM Laptop Scheme. Health remained a top priority, with the Nawaz Sharif Medical District project launched with Rs. 109 billion, alongside the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital and Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Hospital in Sargodha. Agriculture was declared the cornerstone of Punjab's economy, with Rs. 129.8 billion allocated for farmer-friendly initiatives, including interest-free loans, solar panels, and tractor schemes. Over one million farmers benefited from these programs. Additionally, Rs. 335.5 billion was allocated for infrastructure, Rs. 16.8 billion for trade and industry, and Rs. 25 billion for skills development. The minister rejected opposition claims of neglecting rural areas. Government has allocated Rs 10 billion for 'Ideal Village Program.' In transport, 27 eco-friendly buses were operational in Lahore, with 1,200 more to be procured. The budget also emphasized environmental sustainability, with afforestation campaigns and Rs. 10 billion allocated for shrimp and fish farming. Social welfare programs like the 'Himmat Card,' 'Dehi Rani,' 'Munarri Card,' and 'Maryam Nawaz Social Security Ration Card' were introduced for women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The Punjab Police received Rs. 300 billion to enhance public security. The finance minister urged the opposition to engage in constructive criticism rather than obstruction, emphasising that the budget was a step toward economic self-reliance and equitable resource distribution. He thanked all lawmakers who participated in the debate and expressed confidence that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's leadership, Punjab would achieve unprecedented progress and prosperity. The Punjab Assembly rejected the opposition's motion demanding cuts in the police budget by a majority vote, while approving a grant of over 200 billion rupees for the police. Speaking on the opposition's cut motion, Finance Minister Mujtaba criticised previous governments, alleging that: 'Buzdar came and opened a shop in the Chief Minister's House where appointments and transfers were made in exchange for money. If we talk about corruption, PTI has broken all records— no one can compete with them.' Earlier, opposition leaders Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, Junaid Afzal Sahi, Sheikh Imtiaz, and others spoke on the cut motion regarding the police department, stating that a December 2023 report showed an increase in crime rates in Punjab. Meanwhile, the cut motion presented by the opposition regarding the agriculture department was rejected by a majority vote. However, the demand for an agriculture budget of 26 billion 52 crore rupees was approved. Responding to the opposition's cut motion on agriculture, Agriculture Minister Ashiq Kirmani said, 'If only they had read the budget, they would have known what the government is doing for agriculture. The days when the agriculture and livestock departments were ignored with minimal budgets are over. For the first time in Punjab's history, zoning has been implemented for early cotton cultivation. The Fertilizer Act has been introduced for the first time, and dealers and sub-dealers will be registered in Punjab.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
18-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Punjab launches country's largest assistive devices program
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday launched Pakistan's largest assistive devices initiative for persons with disabilities, aiming to empower thousands across the province through improved mobility and access to essential support equipment. More than 300 persons with disabilities attended the launch ceremony in Lahore, where emotional scenes highlighted the impact of the program. In one poignant moment, the chief minister personally escorted a young man, Aqeel, who had lost his arm in an accident, to the stage. Another moving instance saw a child named Sohail use a neuro-controlled prosthetic arm to move his hand for the first time, prompting applause as he exchanged a high-five with the chief minister. Speaking at the event, Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her government's commitment to inclusivity. 'Persons with disabilities are the responsibility of the state, and it is our collective duty to ensure they have access to all necessary resources,' she said. 'A physical limitation does not equate to a lack of ability.' She praised Punjab's Social Welfare Minister Sohail Shoukat Butt and his team, describing their work as vital to achieving her government's social welfare goals. 'You hold one of the most important ministries, one with the power to turn this vision into reality,' she said, applauding initiatives like the Himmat Card and Dhee Rani programs. The chief minister also outlined her administration's accessibility efforts, noting that all public facilities have been directed to install wheelchair ramps. She urged persons with disabilities to register on the government's social welfare portal for home delivery of mobility aids and other assistive devices. 'I want to reach every person waiting behind closed doors for the state to appear,' she said. 'Whether it is the Himmat Card, Minority Card, Dastak Program, or Nigehbaan Ramzan Package, our goal is to ensure everyone receives their due rights.' Concluding her address, Maryam Nawaz said, 'I'm happy power is now in the hands of those who genuinely care. If leaders have sincere intentions, God provides the means to serve the people.' Earlier, Minister Sohail Shoukat Butt shared details of the Rs1 billion program, which will distribute assistive devices, including manual, electric, and motorized wheelchairs; tricycles; tri-motorcycles; walking aids; mobile toilet chairs; pediatric wheelchairs; and joystick-controlled chairs, free of charge across Punjab. Hearing aids and artificial limbs will also be provided as per individual needs.
1726722687-0%2FExpress-Tribune-Web-(9)1726722687-0.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Express Tribune
10-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Assistive devices scheme launched
LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched a project to provide assistive devices to differently-abled persons in the province. The submission of applications under the project has begun. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that wheelchairs would be provided free of charge to people with special needs to facilitate their movement. She said hearing aids would also be provided to the people needing them. Applications for the assistive devices can be submitted through an online portal. The computerised national identity card (CNIC) of the differently-abled applicant, a form and a certificate issued by the District Disability Assessment Board concerned will be required to receive the assistive equipment. The chief minister said the potential applicants could also call the helpline 1312 for seeking information. Guidelines and information can also be obtained from the district social welfare offices. Chief Minister Nawaz said the differently-abled persons were valuable citizens. "We will definitely fulfill our promise of rehabilitation and improvement of special persons," she added. She underscored, "Pakistan's first public sector autism centre will be completed soon. The purpose of issuing Himmat Card is to lead special persons towards economic self-reliance." Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the authorities concerned to ensure the restoration of small businesses impacted by anti-encroachment actions. The decision is aimed at the rehabilitation of unemployed people affected by the removal of encroachments. She directed the stakeholders to consider measures for the rehabilitation of the small businesses and vendors. The chief minister said," The removal of encroachments is essential for smooth traffic flow. The Punjab government's anti-encroachment drive is not intended to leave the common man unemployed, and no one's livelihood should be taken away under any circumstance." She added, "It is imperative to make alternative arrangements for those who have become jobless." "Alternative spaces will be provided for those affected by the anti-encroachment drive in every city, and arrangements for providing employment to the affected people are being reviewed," she said. She added," Unregulated encroachments in every city have made it difficult to pass through the markets with ease." She said PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has called for immediate relief measures for all those affected by the anti- encroachment campaigns. In another development, Pakistan Muslim League-N President Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met members of the Punjab Assembly from Lahore division. Matters pertaining to public welfare projects and future political strategies were discussed in the meeting. According to an official statement, the participants praised the public welfare projects initiated in Punjab. Former prime minister Nawaz Shari expressed hope that Pakistan would "take off" once again. He said happiness and satisfaction were visible among the people in Lahore and other parts of Punjab after a long time. He said the journey to serve the people would continue unabated. He said the country had been put on the path of progress and prosperity at a swift pace after being saved from being derailed. The PML-N president said that if Pakistan had not been derailed and the journey of the 1990s had continued, it would have been much ahead in terms of development and progress.
