Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday called upon those who criticised the province during recent crises to offer public apologies.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of electric buses in Lahore, she expressed disappointment at the conduct of political spokespersons who, she said, mocked the province during times of hardship.
CM Maryam highlighted the expansion of electric bus services in Punjab, announcing that an additional 40 buses would begin operating in Lahore, with 70 more arriving, and 170 due across the Lahore division.
By the end of December, she said, a total of 500 electric buses would be running across Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and Kasur. “People travelling to Lahore from other cities feel as if they have entered another country,” she said. “Electric buses have been introduced in every part of Punjab except Lahore – we are changing that.”
Recalling the tenure of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif, CM Maryam added that under Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, Lahore benefitted from infrastructure projects such as the metro train and bus services. This legacy, she said, was now being extended throughout the province.
The chief minister responded strongly to attempts to ridicule Punjab during a natural disaster. “Three press conferences were held where our situation was mocked. They said Maryam Nawaz should apologise. I will not apologise for standing with my people. Those who held press conferences against Punjab should apologise instead.”
She said she had raised her voice for the rights of the people of Punjab and would continue to do so. “The people of Punjab have their chief minister behind them,” she added.
CM Maryam stated that electric buses would soon operate in every corner of Punjab. “The public has welcomed green buses,” she said, adding that even in Mianwali – the hometown of a political opponent – citizens were greeting buses and their drivers with flower petals. The fare has been set at Rs20, and she described the service as better than other available transport options.
She also announced that a new public transport route from Thokar to Raiwind would soon be operational, with the aim of providing safe and reliable service. “I am working day and night to ensure the safety of our people,” she said.
The chief minister shared updates on housing plans, stating that 100,000 homes would be completed between November and December. Areas lacking access to clean drinking water would receive doorstep delivery of potable water, she said.
She said that a year-long sewage and drainage project has been initiated, alongside the construction of underwater storage tanks modelled after those in Lahore. She thanked the Clean Punjab team for their work during storms and rains in keeping streets clean across cities and tehsils.
CM Maryam announced that 20,000 kilometres of roads would be built, with thousands more to connect inter-village routes. Exemplary villages would be developed across Punjab, starting with South Punjab.
The chief minister said: "Running metro bus services would also be introduced in Gujranwala and Faisalabad. Ration cards would be provided to two million families, and 50,000 to 60,000 persons with disabilities would receive special cards, with plans to increase the number to 100,000."
She said a cancer hospital was under construction a few kilometres away, while government hospitals for heart diseases were being built in Murree and Sahiwal. “Every disease in every city will be treated in Punjab,” she said, adding that treatment for critical illnesses, including bone and bone marrow diseases, would be available near the Ring Road.
She mentioned that 80,000 children in Punjab were receiving scholarships.
Steps were being taken to combat smog, including the use of smog control guns. “We must protect our people from this disease,” she said. “Where the world once told us about our air quality, now we will tell the world.”
CM Maryam said that 200 people bitten by snakes during recent floods had been vaccinated and over two million animals had been relocated to safe areas. “No flood victim was left alone. The cabinet members remained awake until the victims were safe,” she said.
She added that the Crime Control Department (CCD) had made progress, predicting that in a few months, 27 districts of Punjab would report zero crime. “The honour, wealth, and property of Punjab’s people must be protected,” she said. “No one should fear for their mothers, sisters, or daughters.”
Addressing inter-provincial solidarity, CM Maryam questioned whether natural disasters should be met with accusations. She said Punjab chose to help, not blame. “When a cloudburst occurred in KP, I called Ali Amin Gandapur and offered assistance. He thanked me. The people of KP are our brothers and sisters.”
She added that Punjab did not seek assistance from others. “When Punjab was dealing with floods, three press conferences were held. Lies were told. It was said we should not ask for help. But we did not ask. Who outside of Punjab raised their hands to pray for us?”
CM Maryam criticised the politicisation of the water issue, describing water from canals as the rightful share of farmers. “That was not household water; it was the right of the farmer. It was made political. In the CCI meeting, Punjab’s case was presented fully.”
Referring to inappropriate remarks made by a vlogger, Maryam Nawaz said, “I do not support his words. He has apologised unconditionally. He was mocked and humiliated. No one from Punjab will be insulted again. If someone apologises, they should be forgiven.”
She reiterated that she would not apologise for defending her people. “We are Pakistanis first, then Punjabis. We will protect the dignity and every corner of Punjab. Think a hundred times before speaking against Punjab again.”
