LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a major initiative for women’s economic empowerment in southern Punjab’s villages. Under the CM Punjab Livestock Assets Program, the government will provide free buffaloes and cows to 11,000 deserving rural women across 12 districts with a budget of Rs2 billion.
Chairing a meeting on Saturday, the chief minister said that 4,870 cattle will be distributed initially to help women increase milk production and earn a living from home. Women from Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Layyah, Kot Addu, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur will benefit.
Widowed and divorced women up to age 55 can apply using a dedicated mobile app or visit the CM Facilitation Desk at the local Animal Hospital to receive livestock.
Maryam Nawaz said, “We are determined to bridge the economic gap between cities and villages. Every woman—whether she lives in a village or a city—has a right to education, healthcare and jobs.”
Massive Tree Plantation, Eco-Tourism Projects Underway
The CM also announced major environmental initiatives under the Punjab Green Program. She said 42 million trees will be planted across 50,869 acres under the CM Plant for Pakistan Initiative. Another 1.375 million trees are being planted on 3,790 acres of unused forest land under the Agroforestry Project.
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The Green Pakistan Program now covers the plantation of 466 million trees over 251,000 acres, including 5 million trees along canals stretching 10,223 miles. World-class eco-tourism facilities are being developed at Lal Suhanra National Park and the Salt Range.
To support these efforts, modern tools such as wireless networks, CCTV cameras, GPS devices, and drones are being deployed. A LEED-certified eco-friendly building is also under construction to serve as a nature conservation center.
In the hilly areas of Murree and Kahuta, a disaster prevention project has started. It includes recruitment of 600 fire watchers, new fire vehicles, watchtowers, and forest track restoration. Tanks for collecting spring water will also be built.
A modern GIS-based system is being used for real-time monitoring of forests using drone, satellite, and LIDAR technologies. A digital communication cell has been set up, and more staff and equipment are being provided to the Forest Department’s Monitoring Wing.
The process of digital tree counting and surveys has also begun. New machines for plantation work have been purchased. A total of 104 Forest Command and Control Centres are being set up across the province for round-the-clock forest protection.
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Sanitation Workers Honoured with Prizes and Celebrations;
On the same day, CM Maryam Nawaz distributed Rs10,000 cash prizes to sanitation workers for their excellent performance during Eid-ul-Azha. Ceremonies were held in 123 tehsils across Punjab to honour the workers. Public officials joined the celebrations, which included meals, cake-cutting, and drum performances.
Sanitation workers were visibly happy. “I never thought such an event would be held for us,” said one worker. Another added: “Thank you, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, we will never forget this.”
Maryam Nawaz praised their efforts under the Clean Punjab Programme, saying their dedication during the Eid holidays, even in hot weather, was inspiring. A short documentary film highlighting their work was also screened during the events.
Message on World Music Day;
In her message on World Music Day, the chief minister said music helps express every emotion — whether joy or sorrow. She praised Pakistani artists for promoting oriental music internationally and said the government is training young talent at the Alhamra Arts Council.
She added that financial help is being provided to struggling artists through the Artist Fund for Arts and Music, and called music a symbol of peace that spreads love across borders.
