CM Maryam Nawaz chairing the Meeting for the 'Apni-Chhat-Apna Ghar' Housing Initiative January12,2025 Picture Credit : Radio Pakistan
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Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz has approved sixty-two billion rupees for the Apni-Chhat-Apna Ghar Program.
Reportedly, CM Maryam Nawaz chaired a special meeting in Lahore today. In the meeting, Chief Minister set a target of issuing forty thousand loans for this program till May 2025.
She directed the concerned authorities to complete the loan issuance process at the earliest and discuss the proposal to increase the loan amount from one point five million rupees to two million rupees.
Maryam Nawaz said that she wants every homeless person to have a roof overheard. She said that having own house is the basic right of every citizen.
It is worth mentioning here that almost five thousand citizens have already got loans under this scheme and more than 4200 houses are being completed speedily under this program.
The Flags of Pakistan and Bangladesh Symbolize Friendship and Cooperation
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Bangladesh Ambassador to Pakistan Muhammad Iqbal Khan informed the Pakistanis can now obtain visas for Bangladesh through the online portal as visa conditions are relaxed.
As per details, Bangladesh Ambassador to Pakistan Muhammad Iqbal Khan visited the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), where he informed the participants that now the visa conditions to Bangladesh are relaxed.
“The people of Bangladesh want to have a loving relationship with the people of Pakistan and increasing cooperation between the two countries was the need of the hour”, the ambassador added.
Muhammad Iqbal Khan expressed the hope for bilateral trade relations between the two brotherly states, “Noting that the LCCI could play a role in increasing bilateral trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh, the envoy called for the strengthening of economic and financial cooperation between Islamabad and Dhaka”.
It is worth mentioning here that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the D-8 summit in Cairo. Both the leaders agreed to make joint efforts to explore new avenues of economic cooperation, to boost trade in different sectors including chemicals, cement clinkers, surgical goods, leather goods, and IT.
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif expressed his, “gratefulness for the recent development in the facilitation of trade and travel between the two countries, including the abdication of the condition of 100 percent physical inspection of the consignments from Pakistan and abolishment of special security desk at the Dhaka airport, earlier established to scrutinise Pakistani passengers”.
PM Shehbaz also highlighted the historical, religious, and cultural linkages between the two countries. He expressed the desire to increase bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, people-to-people contacts, and cultural exchanges.
Dr Muhammad Yunus asked PM Shehbaz, “The issues have kept coming again and again. Let’s settle those issues for us to move forward and this is a top priority”.
Imran Khan arrested after conviction in Toshakhana case – August 5, 2023 Picture Credit : The Nation
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The government permitted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) negotiation team to meet founder-chairman Imran Khan today at Adiala jail.
Reportedly, Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza confirmed to the media that the negotiation team would meet Khan at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
As per source, the negotiating team would consist of Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Asad Qaiser, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) head Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas would consult the PTI founder regarding ongoing parleys with the government.
The telephonic conversation was held between Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and PTI’s Ayub and Qaiser requested to conduct the meeting between the negotiation committee and Khan, the source added
However, NA speaker Ayaz Sadiq openly said that he is only a messenger that the government is responsible for conducting meetings.
PM Shehbaz Sharif met the OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha Picture Credit : APP
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Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its continuous support for the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Reportedly, PM Shehbaz Sharif met the OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha. During the meeting, PM Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the consistent support and for the principled position on the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The OIC Secretary General(SG) is on Pakistan’s official visit to participate in the International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities. OIC SG met the Prime Minister at the PM’s House.
Shehbaz Sharif thanked the OIC Secretary General for his participation in the International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities.
PM explained that the conference was aimed at concerted efforts to further improve quality education and women empowerment in the Muslim World.
, being organized in Islamabad on 11-12, January 2025.
Prime Minister ensured, “Pakistan’s full support to advancing the Organization’s shared priorities and objectives while making it more effective as a collective voice of the Muslim Ummah”.
“Strongly condemning Israel’s genocidal campaign. There is need to bring an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza”, he added.
The SG confirmed OIC’s full support to the Kashmiri people in their legitimate struggle for freedom and self-determination.
“OIC should continue to press upon the international community for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and stressed that addressing the Palestinian Question on basis of the two-state solution was key to ensuring durable peace and stability in the region”, the OIC SG added.
The two sides also exchanged views on Afghanistan and the global surge in Islamophobia.
It is worth mentioning here that PM Shehbaz Sharif thanks OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha for visiting Pakistan and participating in the international conference. Hissein Brahim Taha also thanked the PM Shehbaz Sharif for the warm hospitality extended by Pakistan.
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah and Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal
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Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal dismissed Pakistan People’s Party reservations over the forming of six new canals on the Indus River in Punjab as the new canal system would barren the Sindh.
As per details, Sindh Abadgar Board (SAB) has rejected the project proposed by the Punjab under the Green Pakistan Initiative. The Punjab government proposed the construction of six new canal for ploughing millions of acres of hitherto barren land, especially Cholistan region.
The Punjab government insists on completing six strategic canals on a fast-track basis. These include the Chubara Canal as the second phase of the Greater Thal Canal, the Kachhi Canal, the Rainee Canal, the Thar Canal, the Chashma Right Bank Canal, and the Cholistan Flood Feeder Canal.
However, Sindh argued that the proposed canals would disproportionately benefit Punjab, violating the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord, and reduced water flow would directly harm its irrigation system, leading to crop failures and economic losses.
On the other hand, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz(PMLN) government is unwilling to address the reservations of its coalition partner Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
While talking to the media, Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said,“It was the PML-N government in 1991 that formulated the water accord, which clearly defines the water share of each province”.
“A foolproof, transparent system is in place to ensure its implementation. No province can receive more than its allocated share, nor can any province be deprived of its rightful allocation.”
Mr Iqbal added that the Indus River System Authority (Irsa), has representatives from all provinces, which “ensures the transparency and fairness of the water distribution system”.
In response to one question regarding to threat to the coalition, Ahsan confirmed that “We have a robust mechanism in place under Deputy Prime Minister [Ishaq Dar], which effectively manages matters between the two coalition partners [PML-N and PPP]”.
“Whenever any issue arises, we engage in discussions and resolve it amicably. There is no such division that poses a threat to our alliance. It could be a presumptive idea, but it is entirely disconnected from reality”, he added
Earlier Ahsan Iqbal showed strong commitment, “Uraan Pakistan represents our commitment to empowering every citizen of Pakistan. We aim to provide opportunities for youth, digitize agriculture for farmers, and significantly increase exports”.
“Our government is setting a strong economic foundation to ensure Pakistan’s global competitiveness and a prosperous future for generations to come”.
It is worth mentioning here that the PPP has expressed serious concerns over the Centre’s plan to build new canals to draw water from the Indus River. Sindh Chief Minister(CM) Murad Ali Shah, said the “plan threatened Sindh’s agricultural economy and would render lands in Sindh “completely barren”.
Official Emblem of the Punjab Government – Symbolizing Progress, Unity, and Development
Dr, Khadeeja Imran Executive Editor of Country Today
In 2024, the Punjab government introduced various policies for improving governance , improving the economy, and addressing public grievances. The year 2024, has been critical for development in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure. In this blog, we will break down some of the significant policies and the direction in which Punjab is heading.
Education
Throughout the year 2024, one of the key focuses of the Punjab government is on education. The government allocated PKR 150 billion. The fund was allocated to improve schools, hire more teachers, and upgrade facilities. Over 10,000 new teaching positions were created, and 500 schools were equipped with modern science and computer labs. New scholarship programs were introduced to students from low-income families. The emphasis was also placed on digital education by providing 50,000 tablets and online learning platforms to public schools.
Healthcare
The Punjab government expanded hospitals and clinics in rural areas to ensure that people have access to medical services. PKR 120 billion was allocated for healthcare. 30 new hospitals are under construction and 200 mobile health units are deployed across undeveloped areas. Free medical camps were set up across the province. Two million people benefited from medical camps and from mobile health units.
Agricultural Initiatives
The government introduced new policies to support farmers. PKR 80 billion was set aside for agricultural subsidies, including discounts on fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides.100,000 farmers were enrolled in agricultural training programs to learn modern farming techniques and efficient use of water. Additionally, the government launched a PKR 10 billion irrigation project to combat water scarcity.
Infrastructure Development
The Punjab government launched several infrastructure projects. PKR 200 billion was invested in infrastructure for the construction of 1,500 km of new roads and 20 major bridges. A new metro bus line connecting key industrial zones was also initiated to improve urban mobility.
Social Welfare Programs
The government introduced various social welfare programs, such as cash assistance for low-income families and vocational training for unemployed youth. PKR 50 billion was allocated for social welfare initiatives, benefiting over 3 million people. Women empowerment programs were also launched, with 200,000 women receiving skill development training to encourage female participation in the workforce.
Evaluation
The Punjab government’s policies in 2024 show a strong commitment to improving education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and social welfare. These efforts aim to address public needs, reduce inequality, and support long-term growth.
On the positive side, investing heavily in education and healthcare shows the government understands their importance. Programs like scholarships, digital tools for learning, mobile health units, and free medical camps reflect a people-focused approach. Similarly, support for farmers through subsidies, training, and water management programs highlights an effort to strengthen agriculture, which is vital for Punjab. New roads, bridges, and metro lines aim to boost connectivity and economic opportunities.
However, there are concerns about how well these plans will be implemented and whether the funds will be used effectively. For example, while large amounts of money have been allocated, past issues with corruption and inefficiency raise doubts about whether these resources will reach the people who need them.
Another issue is the lack of proper monitoring systems to check if these initiatives are working as intended. For instance, while new teaching positions and digital education tools are positive, ensuring equal access and high-quality teaching will be a challenge. Similarly, the success of healthcare and agriculture programs will depend on proper training, timely delivery of resources, and community participation.
About Author: Dr. Khadeeja Imran is the Executive Editor of Country Today, holds a PhD in Hydro-politics, and is a prominent political analyst of Pakistan. She can be reached at [email protected].
Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the nation on the record increase in foreign remittances in December 2024.
Reportedly, on Friday, PM Shahbaz Sharif in a press statement informed the nation by congratulating them on a record increase in foreign remittances in December 24.
He proudly said that the claims of those chanting to stop the country’s economy had proven to be baseless.
The foreign remittances during December 2024 increased to US$3.1 billion against November 2024, posting month-on-month growth of 5.6%.
“Record increase in the foreign remittances reflects the strong commitment of the overseas Pakistanis for playing their role in the development of the country,” the prime minister said.
After achieving economic stability, Pakistan is now on the path of economic growth and the government was determined to ensure national development and public welfare, PM added.
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz In Police Uniform At Chung Police Center April 26,2024 Picture Credit : Punjab Police official website
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Punjab Police requested the Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz requested to establish a new ‘Riot Management Police (RMP)’ for violent protests.
As per details, on Friday Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz approved to establish Riot Management Police (RMP). The summery was moved by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar. The 30-page draft was prepared and briefed by DIG Athar Waheed.
RMP will consist of 5000 personnel. They will trained to handle large crowds and violent protests. The personnel will be specially trained in ‘non-lethal interventions imparted with psychological training, and have trained dogs to disperse crowds.
The approved summary proposes advanced non-lethal crowd control tools such as tear gas, sound cannons, rubber bullets, electric shock shields and surveillance, improved communication systems, bullet-proof vehicles for the additional IG and the DIG RMP Punjab along with the 650 other vehicles, including armored anti-riot trucks, water cannons, heavy cranes, loader trucks, armored ambulances and other specialised vehicles equipped with tracking systems.
The riot management task force will be constituted under the Right to Peaceful Protest Act of 2024.
The task force is headed by a police officer, not below the rank of DIG, and assisted by a superintendent of police (SP).
The headquarter will be in Lahore and will have eight regional offices and each regional office will be headed by SP.
The initial RMP would be made operational in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, and Sargodha, and gradually extended its scope to other major districts of Punjab.
According to the sources, the RMP would be among the few police forces in the country, who will authorised to recommend punishments for damage to public and private properties by protesters.
Attackers and organisers of violent agitations would have to pay compensation for the damage to the state and the citizens,” the source added.
It is worth mentioning here that the Punjab police proposed the scheme in the backdrop of 9 May 2023 incidents, which witnessed the damage of public and private properties as well as injuries to law enforcement personnel. The 30-page draft of the proposed RMP was prepared by Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) DIG Athar Waheed, he added.
A view of the Supreme Court of Pakistan building during sunset hours in Islamabad, on October 3, 2023. — Reuters
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The Supreme Court judges have questioned the government’s justification for punishing the civilians in military courts on Thursday.
Reportedly, on Thursday, a constitutional bench headed by Justice Amin-Ud-Din Khan heard intra-court appeals against trying civilians in military courts. During the hearing, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan said during the hearing what is the rationale of the government in punishing the civilian in the military courts, while cases of others involved in the same incident are being tried in anti-terrorism courts.
“In the May 9 incidents, cases against 103 accused were tried in military courts, while the rest are being tried in anti-terrorism courts,” Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan said.
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhaik questioned the grounds behind the military trials of civilians, “Who decides and how about where a case is to be tried for a particular offense?”
Justice Mandokhail asked, “An accused is being acquitted by the ATC [but is then later] being punished by the military court. Is any special evidence presented before the military court?”
“We respect all courts, including the military ones, but you have to establish them via adhering to the Constitution”, added Justice Mandokhail.
Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan asked his colleague judges, “Where is the ATC verdict for handing over the accused to the military?”
With Justice Mandokhail inquiring why the ATCs are not strengthened, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi asked whether the May 9 riots were more of a serious crime than terrorism.
Justice Amin-Ud-Din remarked that the bench cannot give an order concerning those who have already been convicted, so the court adjourned the hearing till tomorrow.
It is worth mentioning here that the constitutional five-member bench was formed last year on 23rd October. The bench declared civilians’ trials in military courts null and void and ordered that 103 suspects be tried in civilian courts.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf(PTI) founder Imran Khan’s lawyer Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry, confirmed the arrival of a representative of a global parliamentary body to observe the Imran Khan trials.
As per details, on Thursday, Imran Khan’s lawyer Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry informed the private TV channel regarding the arrival of a representative from a global parliamentary body to observe the trials against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
He said that he discussed the Imran Khan cases with an official of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and they decided to send a representative to observe all trials.
“The IPU representative was briefed on the judicial proceedings in the £190 million case.They were also informed about the Toshakhana cases”,Khalid further said.
“I provided the IPU representative with details regarding the penalties in the Toshakhana cases, as well as the legal and constitutional flaws and the violation of the right to a fair trial”. He added.
He also confirmed that he briefed the IPU representative regarding May 9 and the GHQ case, “In November 2023, an IPU trial observer attempted to visit Adiala Jail but was denied permission.”
Apart from the IPU observer, this is not the first time when someone from outside Pakistan talked about Imran Khan’s trials, even before that more than 60 parliamentarians from the UK and US have demanded the former prime minister’s release from jail.
Pakistan is a member of IPU. Its primary function is to facilitate parliamentary diplomacy, empower parliaments, and promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development in the world.
It is worth mentioning here that last month the US, UK, and EU also criticised military courts over the sentencing of civilians in connection with attacks on military facilities on May 9, 2023
