Daily Times

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the “Kisan Card” initiative in Hafizabad on Monday, aiming to support farmers by reducing the role of intermediaries and ensuring direct benefits to farmers.

The cards were distributed among farmers in a ceremony attended by Pakistan Muslims League – Nawaz (PML-N) leaders including Rana Sanaullah, Maryam Aurangzeb, and others. Maryam stated the scheme was originally planned to be launched by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was unable to attend due to international commitments.

She highlighted the government’s commitment to developing policies that prioritise farmer welfare and address the impact of rising wheat prices. “We faced criticism for not purchasing wheat earlier, but ensuring farmers’ profit margins remains a priority,” she added. Maryam also announced a forthcoming “Green Tractor Scheme,” expected to roll out with 1.5 million applications received. Under the programme, the government will offer subsidies of up to Rs1 million on tractors costing around Rs4 million.

Additionally, a Rs10-15 billion initiative will set up machinery hubs in each tehsil, enabling farmers to access equipment at affordable rates. In a bid to reduce energy costs, she disclosed plans to solarise tube wells currently powered by diesel and petrol, with an initial goal to convert 7,000 units, lowering electricity bills for farmers.

Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has formally inaugurated anti-polio vaccination drive and administered anti-polio vaccination drops to children at Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), here on Monday. The CM said that children must be given polio vaccine to save them from lifelong disability. She set a target of zero polio in the province. The CM appealed to the parents to administer anti-polio vaccination drops to their kids. She took a baby named Naira in her lap and loved her, administered her vaccine drops and gave her candies. She also gave gifts of candies to other children after administering them anti-polio vaccine drops.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met with polio workers, and appreciated their services. She had a group photo with them, and advised them to work hard.

Earlier, the CM was briefed by the authorities concerned about the anti-polio app. She was briefed, “During the anti-polio campaign, more than 20 million children will be given polio vaccine.” She added anti-polio campaign across Punjab will continue from 28 October to 03 November. In Lahore, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad, the vaccination campaign will be for 07 days while in other districts, the campaign will continue for 05 days. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was also apprised that more than 200,000 polio workers will serve in the anti-polio vaccination campaign. She was briefed that children missing out on vaccines are being tracked through Synergy Evaluation System Application.