Daily Times

A high-level meeting convened under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and once again attended by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, focused on addressing the challenges confronting the agriculture sector in the province.

The meeting, held to discuss agricultural issues, emphasized the need to overcome persistent hurdles hindering the sector’s progress. During the meeting, the agriculture secretary provided a comprehensive briefing, shedding light on the prevailing challenges faced by Punjab’s agriculture. One significant concern highlighted by Nawaz Sharif was the longstanding issue of inadequate quality seeds despite the passage of four decades.

The special meeting was presided over by Quaid Nawaz Sharif and CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif regarding the Department of Agriculture.

In addition to seed quality, attention was drawn towards the efficient utilization of water resources in Punjab. Nawaz Sharif stressed the importance of conserving water, advocating for the preservation of 37 million area feet of water from wastage. He underscored the necessity of adopting modern irrigation techniques to optimize water usage, emphasizing the potential to save 1.7 million acre feet of water through the implementation of 7,300 tube wells.

Furthermore, the meeting deliberated on financial support for farmers, with a proposal to allocate a loan of Rs150 billion for Rabi and Kharif crops. Nawaz Sharif emphasized the need for a simplified loan eligibility procedure, ensuring swift issuance of loans to farmers upon application.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of establishing a robust monitoring and feedback mechanism to ensure the effective implementation of the loan scheme. Additionally, the meeting approved a pilot project for the recruitment of agriculture officers and field assistants to enhance agricultural services at the grassroots level. Moreover, plans were outlined to establish model agriculture centers in each district to facilitate farmers and improve agricultural practices. The meeting also resolved to amend the Fertilizer and Pesticide Act to enhance regulatory mechanisms in the agriculture sector.

The collective decisions taken during the meeting reflect the government’s commitment to revitalizing the agriculture sector in Punjab and ensuring the welfare of farmers. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and others attended the meeting.

Parliamentary Party

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a joint meeting of the parliamentary party of Pakistan Muslim League-N, People’s Party, Muslim League-Q and other members of the Provincial Assembly to consider senate election strategy. Election procedure was explained in the meeting, besides discussion on suggestions and recommendation by the assembly members.

PPP Parliamentary leader Ali Haider Gilani said, “Our female candidate has withdrawn. We will vote for Bushra Butt and Anushe Rehman.” The withdrawal of the woman Senate candidate by People’s Party was hailed as a goodwill gesture.

IPP Parliamentary leader Ghazanfar Abbas Chheina said, “IPP will also vote for the candidates of Muslim League-N.”

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, “I am the chief minister of all. Together we will walk.” She added,” Our determination is the development of entire Punjab. No area will be deprived of development. “PML-N senate candidate Muhammad Aurangzeb said, “Thank you all for your support for the senate election.”

“Credit of every success goes to Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif,” said Dr Musaddiq Malik Bushra Anjum said, “I will be the voice of all of you.” Anoushe Rehman said, “I thank party leadership for trusting me.” PML-N Senate candidates Muhammad Aurangzeb, Mosaddik Malik, Khalil Tahir Sindhu Bushra Anjum Butt, Anusha Rehman. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and other leaders attended the meeting.

Tribute

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid glowing tribute to the security forces for arresting all those involved in Shangla attack on Chinese nationals.

In a press statement issued here on Monday, the CM said that people involved in terrorism do not deserve any exemption, adding that it was inevitable to bring terrorists and their facilitators to justice. The chief minister said that Pakistani nation was united in its resolve to eradicate terrorism.