Tag: Maryam Nawaz

  • Nawaz Sharif criticises increase in gas, power rates under IMF pressure

    Nawaz Sharif criticises increase in gas, power rates under IMF pressure

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif criticised the increase in rates of electricity and gas prices after directives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to do so.

    The former prime minister raised concerns regarding the increase in rates of gas and power during a meeting with the Punjab government. The Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, was also present in the meeting.

    The leader of the PML-N commented on high inflation, questioning how much more the nation could endure. He urged authorities to solve the issue of costly electricity for small farmers by giving them solar panels.

    Senior provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Bukhari, Transport Minister Bilal Akbar, MPA Sania Ashiq, provincial chief secretary, Planning and Development Board chairman, Transport secretary, and other officials concerned were also present at the meeting.

    The PML-N supremo also said that small farmers should be rewarded for their hard work and should be saved from the exploitation of big farmers.

  • Maryam Nawaz’s iftar with prisoners in Kot Lakhpat Jail sparks debate

    Maryam Nawaz’s iftar with prisoners in Kot Lakhpat Jail sparks debate

    The newly-elected Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, broke her fast on Sunday with prisoners of the central jail in Lahore in Kot Lakhpath. She visited the prisoners in jail, after having been imprisoned there herself in the past.

    Videos released by her party showed her taking iftar with prisoners, giving them gifts and clothes, and providing Rs 15,000 in monetary assistance. 

    People on X (previously Twitter) appreciated that Maryam Nawaz extended her support to prisoners in jail. However, some people are also criticising the iftar as a publicity venture, stating that putting up banners of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in jail is wrong.

    A video shared by Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb showed the CM Maryam visiting different sections of the jail and planting a tree in the garden on the occasion. Besides meeting the prison officials, Maryam also spoke to the prisoners and asked about their issues and problems.

    Biryani, samosas, pakoras, fruits, and other savoury items were included in Iftar’s menu.

    Earlier, Maryam Nawaz inaugurated a 20-bed hospital for drug addicts inside the prison.

  • Property transfers for overseas Pakistanis to be made easier by CM Punjab

    Property transfers for overseas Pakistanis to be made easier by CM Punjab

    In a bid to protect expatriates from fraud, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has announced the launch of a property transfer service tailored for overseas Pakistanis.

    Chairing a special meeting of the Punjab Board of Revenue (BoR) focusing on reform, the chief minister outlined key features of the service.

    The newly introduced property transfer service aims to streamline the process for Pakistani diaspora, offering facilities such as mutation, e-filing, and land registration.

    CM Maryam ordered launching the service at the earliest for Pakistanis residing in the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries.

    Asserting strict adherence to timelines in property transfer services, CM Maryam urged for meticulous record-keeping of government land across the province. The meeting also delved into discussions regarding the Punjab Land Record Authority, with the chief minister directing measures to establish roadside small gyms and parks on government land, alongside the setup of land facilitation centers in every district.

    Plans were unveiled to establish land facilitation centers in 11 divisions by June 30, with the online availability of land records for 5,798 Mauza anticipated by December 2024.

    Additionally, the initiative intends to kickstart online land record projects in 10 districts of the province, utilizing 811,044 acres of government land for corporate farming.

    Maryam directed to take measures for building roadside small gyms and parks on the government land. She also ordered the establishing of land facilitation centers in every district.
    The meeting was told the land facilitation centers would be set up in 11 divisions by June 30. The participants were also told that land records of 5,798 Mauza would be available online till December 2024.
    Earlier engagements saw CM Maryam presiding over a meeting on the Urban Unit in Lahore, where she emphasized the importance of comprehensive planning for the Regional Economic Corridor in Punjab. Directives were issued to draft a mapping plan for industrial zones, with a focus on assisting small industrialists and controlling smog through data-driven strategies.

    Maryam Nawaz affirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating investors, highlighting the dedication to fostering a conducive environment for economic growth and development in Punjab.

  • Maryam Nawaz slammed on social media over ‘defamation’ law

    Maryam Nawaz slammed on social media over ‘defamation’ law

    Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister Punjab, took to X (former Twitter) and announced that she is making a defamation law for Punjab.

    X user Faisal Ranjha asked in a tweet whether this government will be able to make a strong defamation law to counter lies and fake news. In response to that, Maryam quote tweeted, “I am making that law for Punjab.”

    Social media users reacted by mentioning how such laws already exist and are misused against political rivals and journalists.

    Lawyer and co-founder of Bolo Bhi, Farieha Aziz, said, “And it begins. ‘We need more laws’ to counter “fake news” & strengthen defamation narrative. Because Defamation Ordianance, 499 & 500 of PPC & 20 of PECA don’t already exist? Laws are implemented through same broken system. Malicious proceedings swift, genuine ones face delays.”

    Member of Awami Workers Party Ammar Rashid said, “While their overlords block X to shut down criticism, PMLN leadership openly announcing its intention to further criminalize attempts to hold public officeholders to account using the bogeyman of defamation & fake news. We must all shut up b/c our ruling elite is too insecure.”

    Film maker Arafat Mazhar said, “No “I” will be allowed to make that law. only a “we”, that too which represents democratic will, can make that law (unless it is to protect marginalised people from Tyranny of majority) Also this proposed defamation law is a disaster. Please maafi deh du. Aur Kitni awaz dabao gey?”

  • ‘Aaj iftari mein kya banaein’; Maryam Nawaz talks about issues with deciding menu

    ‘Aaj iftari mein kya banaein’; Maryam Nawaz talks about issues with deciding menu

    Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab, paid an impromptu visit to the Johar Town Model Ramzan Bazaar in Lahore and had a relatable discussion with one of the shoppers.

    She examined various stalls and inspected the prices of fruits, vegetables, and other commodities.

    She also inquired about price lists and whether they were displayed as per instructions or not.

    Engaging with shoppers, Maryam asked about their satisfaction with both prices and the quality of available products, garnering positive responses from the women purchasing goods.

    She also asked a shopper what she was planning to make for iftari and then they discussed how deciding on the menu daily is an issue.

    Meanwhile, Lahore Divisional Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa announced the continuation of relief hamper deliveries as part of the ‘Ramazan Negahban’ package, aimed at assisting beneficiaries during the holy month of Ramadan. Presiding over a meeting, Randhawa disclosed that thus far, over 117,781 eligible individuals in the Lahore division had received food hampers directly at their doorsteps.

    With a focus on efficient distribution, the commissioner outlined daily delivery targets for each district, underscoring a zero-tolerance policy towards deviations from these targets. Lahore aims to achieve a daily delivery target ranging from 25,000 to 30,000, with other districts like Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Nankana Sahib also striving to meet their respective goals.

    Furthermore, it was disclosed that the ‘Ramazan Negahban’ package had reached approximately 75,000 eligible individuals in Lahore alone, with stringent measures in place to verify beneficiary data using CNIC numbers and household addresses. The ambitious initiative is set to extend its reach to over a million eligible individuals across the division.

  • ‘There is a serious threat alert,’ Azma Bukhari defends barring meetings with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail

    ‘There is a serious threat alert,’ Azma Bukhari defends barring meetings with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail

    Punjab government has clarified on Tuesday that recent restrictions imposed at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail were not intended to obstruct meetings of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders with party founder Imran Khan.

    The statement came after Khan, the former prime minister imprisoned in several cases and serving more than three decades of sentences, was barred from holding meetings inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail for two weeks owing to security concerns.

    “This move wasn’t made to take away any facility from him [Khan]. There is a serious threat alert, which is under investigation,” Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bukhari told Geo News’ Shahzeb Khanzada.

    Denying PTI’s claims of a false flag operation, Bukhari assured that Khan was being provided with all necessary facilities and emphasized the importance of ensuring the security of all prisoners at Adiala Jail.

    “The incident is under investigation. A series of threat alerts have been issued. These measures were taken to ensure the security of all the prisoners. The security of the facility has to be improved,” she said.

    Slamming PTI’s allegations that the capture of the terrorists was a false flag operation, Bukhari clarified that the opposition party “sees conspiracies” in everything, assuring the party that their leader was being provided all prison facilities.

    “There’s a threat in general [to the Adiala Jail], not Imran Khan, that something unpleasant might happen. Therefore, it is important not only to ensure Imran Khan’s security but everyone else’s.”

    Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan expressed severe concerns over the sudden ban on Khan’s meetings, fearing for the former prime minister’s safety. He demanded immediate consultations with Khan and sought details regarding his health.

    In a related development, the Punjab Home Department requested the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to postpone a meeting between KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Imran Khan due to the prevailing security situation. Temporary restrictions on visits and meetings have been imposed in various jails across Punjab as a precautionary measure against potential threats.

    The Home Department highlighted the existence of multiple security threats to several jails, including Adiala Jail, and directed authorities to conduct security audits and bomb disposal operations promptly.

    As tensions escalate, the Punjab government remains vigilant in safeguarding the security of inmates and ensuring the smooth functioning of correctional facilities across the province.

    Read more: No more meetings with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail but who ordered the ban?

  • Maryam Nawaz to launch free WiFi pilot project in Lahore

    Maryam Nawaz to launch free WiFi pilot project in Lahore

    A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore, in which it was decided that a free WiFi project will be launched in 10 different places in the provincial capital in two weeks while free WiFi points will be set up at 516 places in the city.

    Maryam Nawaz has directed officials to start free WiFi preferably at educational institutions, airports, railway stations and bus stands.

    She has also approved the construction of the 21-storey Arfa Karim Tower 2.

    While briefing the meeting, it was said that the IT, Education and Film City project will start soon; while Microsoft, Oracle and other big companies have expressed their willingness for IT City.

    Maryam Nawaz has also directed authorities to invite Chinese IT companies to build offices, adding that the best IT companies of the world will be provided business opportunities in the IT City.

    The Chief Minister of Punjab has set a deadline for the plan of the establishment of Lahore Knowledge Park and IT City.

  • No more meetings with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail but who ordered the ban?

    No more meetings with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail but who ordered the ban?

    The Punjab Home Ministry has implemented a temporary prohibition on incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from conducting meetings within Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.

    Imran Khan, currently serving a cumulative sentence of 31 years in multiple cases, has been utilizing his time in the Rawalpindi facility since September 2023 for meetings with his legal team, family members, and party officials.

    The ban has been slapped on for two weeks, sources within the Punjab home department said, while media coverage is also prohibited in front of Adiala Jail’s gate 5.

    A security officer stated that media coverage is not allowed and directed that the media teams would stay a minimum of two kilometers away from Adiala jail.

    Tuesday and Thursday were reserved by the Adiala Jail administration for meetings with the PTI founder on the orders of the court, but now the meetings have been banned for two weeks.

    As per sources of The Current Ali Amin Gandapur, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a prominent leader of PTI, was supposed to meet Imran Khan on Monday but later the meeting was shifted to Tuesday. According to the souce, Jail authorities claimed that barring Gandapur from meeting Imran would create rifts between provinces and ‘it wouldn’t be a nice message across the board’.

    The source said that after some hesitation, the meeting was allowed and in reaction, Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister of Punjab and a prominent leader of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN), retaliated and said that the jail has been converted into “Zaman Park” and this should stop.

    We reached out to Marriyum Aurangzeb for a comment on this matter but we haven’t got a response yet.

    Recently, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) announced the apprehension of three terrorists and the confiscation of a map of Adiala Jail, a hand grenade, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from their possession. Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani reported the recovery of automatic weapons and ammunition from the detained individuals, who were identified as Afghan nationals.

    In a separate incident last November, law enforcement discovered a suspicious bag containing an explosive device near Adiala Road in Gorakhpur, Rawalpindi, merely a kilometer away from the correctional facility.

    In January, the former Prime Minister, alongside Shah Mahmood Qureshi, received a 10-year sentence in the cipher case for the unauthorized disclosure of confidential communications sent by the country’s ambassador in Washington to the government in Islamabad.

    This was succeeded by a 14-year verdict imposed on Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, by an accountability court in the Toshakhana reference, for their alleged misuse of official privileges to trade gifts received during foreign visits while holding office from 2018 to 2022, collectively valued at over Rs140 million ($635,000). Additionally, the couple was fined a total of Rs1.57 billion.

    After these rulings, Khan and Bushra were further sentenced to seven years in the “un-Islamic nikah” case, along with a Rs500,000 penalty each, for their marriage before the completion of the 90-day iddat period following Bushra’s divorce.

    Moreover, both Khan and his spouse faced indictment in the £190 million case during the jail trial conducted at Adiala jail.

    PTI and Khan’s associates have persistently urged for his release, denouncing the charges as “fabricated” and expressing concerns for his safety while incarcerated.

  • ‘It took me 12–13 years to make my place in PML-N’, says Maryam Nawaz

    ‘It took me 12–13 years to make my place in PML-N’, says Maryam Nawaz

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on Friday that she struggled for 12 to 13 years to make her place in the male-dominated Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

    “My presence here is a message to mothers, daughters, and sisters that if you want to do something, then being a woman is not an obstacle in achieving your dreams,” Maryam said addressing an event related to the International Women’s Day in Lahore.

    The newly appointed chief minister expressed her wish for a woman to replace her in Punjab and also stated her desire for women to be elected to the chief executive’s office in other provinces as well.

    Maryam Nawaz took oath as the chief minister of an important province Punjab on February 26, and she is the first female chief minister in Pakistan.

    The PML-N vice president won the chief ministerial election after obtaining 220 votes in the provincial assembly.

  • Punjab’s first Sikh minister, Ramesh Singh Arora, takes oath

    Punjab’s first Sikh minister, Ramesh Singh Arora, takes oath

    After Maryam Nawaz became the first female chief minister of Punjab and the first female chief executive of a province in the country, history was made yet again with the inclusion of the first Sikh minister in the provincial cabinet.

    Ramesh Singh Arora, a member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), took oath to become a minister in the provincial cabinet. The Sikh politician has returned to the provincial assembly for the third term, this time with the portfolio of a minister.

    Arora, who hails from Narowal, has been allotted the minorities portfolio. He was also the first-ever Sikh lawmaker of Punjab, taking oath as a member of the provincial assembly in 2013.
    Meanwhile, the provincial cabinet has appointed Khalil Tahir Sindhu, a member of the christian community from Punjab, to serve alongside Arora. Sindhu will handle the human rights portfolio.
    Since 1970, various political parties or alliances, such as the PML-N, Pakistan Peoples Party, Islami Jamhoori Ittehad, Pakistan Muslim League Quaid, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, have formed governments. However, the PML-N stands out as the only party to bring the first Sikh MPA to the house and include him in the cabinet.