The years 2024 and 2025 in Punjab have been marked by performance, delivery, tangible relief for the common citizen, and large-scale infrastructure development. In these two years, projects have been executed that no previous government in Punjab – let alone across Pakistan – had managed to accomplish. Although Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif assumed public office for the first time, her style of governance has reflected maturity, confidence, and command, with no sign of inexperience.
Within just two years, transformative and historic initiatives have been undertaken across education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, women’s empowerment, youth development, agriculture, and labour welfare – measures unprecedented in the province’s history. The first year of her government alone featured an extensive portfolio of development and welfare projects, delivering direct benefits to ordinary citizens.
The education and healthcare sectors stand out most prominently, as they directly affect people’s lives. For perhaps the first time in Punjab’s history, announcements are regularly made over loudspeakers in government hospitals informing patients that all medicines and diagnostic tests will be provided within the hospital premises – and that any demand to purchase medicines or obtain tests externally should be reported immediately. This initiative represents major relief for patients and their families.
In education, government schools from Dera Ghazi Khan to Sadiqabad and Attock are undergoing comprehensive revamping. For the first time on such a large scale, talented students have been awarded Honhaar Scholarships, and laptops have been distributed widely. It is worth recalling that the laptop scheme was originally launched by the Pakistan Muslim League (N) but was discontinued during the tenure of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in Punjab, despite the party’s claim of representing the youth. Notably, no substantial youth-focused initiatives were introduced during that period.
The education and healthcare sectors stand out most prominently, as they directly affect people’s lives.
Agriculture – the backbone of Punjab’s economy – has also witnessed significant reforms. During a recent address in Mianwali, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif highlighted that while 20,000 tractors were distributed to farmers over a span of 25 years, her government distributed 21,000 tractors within just two years, with an additional 10,000 scheduled for distribution this year. Furthermore, initiatives such as tube-well solarisation, the provision of Super Seeders, modern agricultural machinery, and the Kisan Card have significantly empowered farmers across the province.
In her governance approach, there is no room for phrases such as “we will consider,” “we will think about it,” or vague promises. Projects are inaugurated only when they are ready to deliver real benefits to the public. For the first time, 30,000 kilometres of roads have been constructed within the first two years of a government’s tenure – projects that previous administrations typically initiated in their final year before elections.
Maryam Nawaz governs Punjab with the compassion of a caring mother. She views the pain of every citizen as her own and finds satisfaction in providing facilities and easing hardships. She is the first Chief Minister to repeatedly emphasise that launching development projects is not a favour to the public – it is their rightful entitlement.
Unlike the past, when unrealistic promises such as ten million jobs and five million houses were made, today Punjab is witnessing practical delivery instead of hollow assurances. This progress is visible in electric buses, the Clinic on Wheels initiative, Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics, and the Suthra Punjab campaign – projects that are transforming cities across the province.
Personally, the most impressive initiative has been the urban beautification drive. A city’s identity is reflected in its aesthetics, and today, entering any city in Punjab presents a welcoming and visually pleasing environment that brings a sense of pride and satisfaction. It appears that the Chief Minister has drawn valuable lessons from her international visits and aspires to transform Punjab into a province that attracts visitors from around the world and leaves them genuinely impressed.
If this momentum of performance, good governance, and merit-based administration continues over the next three years, Punjab may well surpass other provinces of Pakistan and compete with many regions globally. Wherever good governance and merit prevail, the lives of ordinary citizens become easier – and that is the defining hallmark of a true welfare state.
May Allah Almighty grant continued success to Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The writer is the PRO of information minister Punjab.