Latest news with #MaryamNawaz
Arab News
20 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan ruling party chief discusses strengthening bilateral defense, economic ties with Saudi envoy
ISLAMABAD: The president of Pakistan's ruling Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party Nawaz Sharif and his daughter, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Thursday to discuss strengthening bilateral defense, political and economic ties between the two countries, an official of the Punjab government said. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy close defense, economic and diplomatic ties. In recent months, the two countries have sought closer economic cooperation, with Islamabad and Riyadh signing 34 business-to-business agreements last year worth $2.8 billion. During their meeting, Sharif and the Punjab chief minister conveyed their sincere wishes and respect for Saudi Arabia's King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the public relations officer to the Punjab chief minister said in a message circulated to media. 'The meeting included discussions on matters of mutual interest, economic cooperation, defense partnership, and unity of the Muslim Ummah,' the statement said. It added that both sides reaffirmed to further strengthen the historic, political, economic and defense ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. 'Both sides agreed to expand defense partnership, joint training, intelligence sharing and mutual cooperation,' it said. The Punjab chief minister said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia's relationship is based on mutual trust, shared values and long-standing brotherhood. 'Relations with Saudi Arabia are a central pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy, which continues to grow stronger in political, economic, and other sectors,' she was quoted as saying. Nawaz said Islamabad is grateful to Saudi Arabia for hosting 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates in the Kingdom. 'Maintaining close and continuous contact with Saudi Arabia at the consular level is a top priority of the Punjab government,' she added. Apart from being a key regional ally and close business partner, Saudi Arabia also happens to be the largest source of foreign remittances for Pakistan. These remittances are a lifeline for Pakistan's cash-strapped economy, playing a critical role in stabilizing foreign exchange reserves and its supporting balance of payments.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Health projects: Punjab introduces new monitoring system
LAHORE: In line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Department of Health and Population has introduced a robust and centralized monitoring system to ensure transparent, accountable and timely execution of health-related development projects across the province. Going forward, all health sector initiatives will be monitored and evaluated through the department's Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, which will track project implementation, assess performance, and ensure alignment with provincial health priorities. A high-level meeting, chaired by Provincial Minister for Health and Population Khawaja Imran Nazir was held at the department's headquarters. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Chairman Planning and Development Board Naeem Rauf, Secretary Health and Population Nadia Saqib, and other senior officials. To ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply at public hospitals, the meeting decided to establish 13 new oxygen feeders. This move will support 145 district and tehsil headquarters hospitals (DHQs and THQs), enabling them to receive over 44,000 oxygen cylinders per month, thus enhancing emergency and critical care capacity across Punjab. Khawaja Imran Nazir directed all vertical programs to submit detailed annual performance reports. He emphasized that as per the Chief Minister's instructions, routine and rigorous evaluations would be conducted to assess progress and impact. He reaffirmed the provincial leadership's commitment to healthcare reform, stating: 'Providing quality healthcare at the doorstep of every citizen is Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's foremost priority.' The minister also highlighted that the revamping of more than 4,000 health facilities is underway and progressing at a steady pace. Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman stressed the importance of effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely completion and quality delivery of health projects. He reiterated that reform efforts in the healthcare system are ongoing and that the Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate would be further strengthened for improved oversight. He also issued directives for the verification of household registration data under the Community Health Inspector Program, calling for greater data integrity and on-ground accountability. The meeting reviewed progress on several flagship initiatives, including Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics, Community Health Inspector Program, establishment of blood centers in Lahore, Okara, Muzaffargarh, and Jhelum and setting up of Cath labs in Attock, Jhang, Jhelum, Layyah, Mianwali, Kasur, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar. The officials briefed that the Community Health Inspector Program is being implemented in two phases, with the geo-tagging of over 530,000 households already completed in the first phase. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
First female driver of OLMT: CM expresses his pleasure over appointment
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz expressed happiness over the appointment of first female driver of Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT), Nida Saleh. She congratulated her, and expressed her best wishes for her success. She said, 'Daughters are no less than anyone, equal opportunities for their professional development will be provided continuously.' She added, 'Daughters like Nida are a source of pride for all of us.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CM vows to end child trafficking
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has reiterated her government's determination to end illegal trafficking of children. She stated in her message on World Day Against Human Trafficking, "I am determined that every child of Punjab should be protected against human trafficking. Exploitation of children is not tolerated under any circumstances." Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "Parents should protect from trafficking their children who go in search of employment." She appealed to the people to adopt legal and safe routes for foreign travel. She noted, "Death of dozens of people in a boat capsize, while going to Europe through illegal means was a great human tragedy." She said human traffickers did not hesitate to play with lives. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed happiness over the appointment of the first woman driver of Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT), Nida Saleh.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
CM determined to provide education, health to every child
LAHORE: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, historic progress in the education of special children has been achieved. International collaboration in special education has been secured for the first time in the history of Punjab as an LOI has been signed in this regard between the British Council and the Special Education Department Punjab. Special Assistant to Chief Minister for Special Education Sania Ashiq briefed the Country Director British Council James Hampson on steps taken by the government of Punjab for the purpose. She said, 'Education and training of special children is the top priority of the Punjab government, international training exchange program for teachers is indispensable.' She added, 'We want to benefit from UK experiences in autism and inclusive education.' Awards of Excellence were also given to the heads of prominent schools under the School Connect Program at the ceremony. British Council assured of technical assistance in special education. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
