Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has paid glowing tribute to former South African president Nelson Mandela on the occasion of International Nelson Mandela Day, saying his extraordinary life of sacrifice, perseverance and unwavering commitment to justice continues to inspire humanity and serves as a guiding light for generations across the world.
In her message on Saturday, the CM said Nelson Mandela’s life was a shining symbol of patience, resilience and an unwavering struggle against oppression. She said that despite enduring years of imprisonment and immense hardships, Mandela never compromised his principles and remained steadfast in his pursuit of freedom, equality and justice.
M Maryam Nawaz said Nelson Mandela’s philosophy of non-violence, equality, reconciliation and respect for human rights had left an enduring legacy for the international community. She said his tireless struggle against racial discrimination, injustice and inequality had become an integral part of world history and would continue to inspire those striving for peace and social justice.
The chief minister said the Punjab government, led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), was committed to building a society based on equality, justice, tolerance and respect for human dignity. She said inclusive development, equal opportunities and the rule of law were essential for sustainable progress and social harmony.
Highlighting the importance of International Nelson Mandela Day, Maryam Nawaz said the annual observance encouraged people to dedicate their time and efforts to serving humanity and contributing to public welfare. She urged citizens, especially the youth, to promote values of compassion, tolerance, volunteerism and public service to bring positive change.
Quoting Nelson Mandela’s famous principle that education was “the most powerful tool to change the world,” the chief minister said investment in education and human development was key to building prosperous and peaceful societies.
She added that as long as poverty, injustice and inequality persisted anywhere in the world, humanity’s collective responsibility remained unfinished. She said every individual had the ability and responsibility to contribute towards creating a fairer, more compassionate world through positive action and commitment to justice.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Saturday launched a major initiative to modernize sewerage and drainage infrastructure across the province by handing over symbolic keys of newly procured machinery to Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) authorities.
Addressing a ceremony in Lahore, the chief minister said efficient sewerage and drainage services were essential for improving urban life and added that the Punjab government was making significant investments to upgrade civic facilities across the province.
She said the first phase of the program had been completed with the delivery of 272 modern machines of 12 categories to WASA formations in 15 districts, while procurement and distribution of 696 additional machines for 41 districts was underway.
Provincial Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin and Housing Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal briefed the chief minister that the new machinery included sewer cleaning machines, desilting equipment, dewatering pumps, water bowsers, tractors, excavators, suction machines and other equipment aimed at improving maintenance and emergency response operations.
Maryam Nawaz said the WASA network had been expanded from two districts to 41 districts, calling it a major step towards providing uniform municipal services across Punjab. She said the government was committed to upgrading sewerage systems and addressing urban flooding and waterlogging issues.
During the ceremony, the chief minister also met WASA workers, appreciated their services and joined them for a group photograph. She said the induction of modern machinery would improve working conditions and enhance the efficiency of sanitation operations across the province.