CM Maryam vows to bring Japan's development spirit to Punjab

Yokohama, Japan (Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz, expressed her determination to transform the province, especially Lahore, into a modern, industrial, and developed city modeled after Yokohama.

Addressing the Pakistani community residing in Yokohama, Japan, she stated that Punjab’s Urban Development Authority (RODA) is being restructured on the development model of Yokohama to enable integrated and sustainable growth in densely populated and industrial cities of Punjab.

Thanking the overseas Pakistanis for their warm welcome, Maryam Nawaz said that witnessing the enthusiasm of the Pakistani community in Yokohama felt like attending a large gathering in Lahore. She praised the significant presence and passion of Pakistanis in Yokohama as a matter of pride.

The Punjab CM highlighted that government policies have led to a substantial reduction in inflation rates and a record increase in remittances, reflecting the public’s confidence.

She shared that free medicines and free treatment for children are being provided to the public, while the ‘Clinic on Wheels’ program is delivering healthcare services at people’s doorsteps.

Maryam Nawaz added that infrastructure across Punjab is being improved with new roads under construction. Special measures are being taken to tackle smog and environmental pollution, with focused attention on the ‘Clean and Green Punjab’ initiative.

The Punjab CM said that Asia’s largest Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital is being constructed in Lahore and assured that issues related to overseas Pakistanis’ land will be addressed on a priority basis.

“Under the 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' scheme, easy loans are being offered for the construction of 70,000 homes, with a goal to provide houses to five lakh families within five years,” Maryam said, adding that, plot owners are being offered interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million.

The Punjab CM aid that electric buses have been introduced with a nominal fare of only Rs20 to facilitate the public while for students, the government has launched the ‘Honhar Scholarship’ program and plans to distribute 100,000 laptops.

Criticising the previous government, Maryam Nawaz said that the PTI administration damaged relations with friendly countries.

She praised the current government’s success in improving diplomatic ties, especially mentioning stable relations with Afghanistan and Iran.

The Punjab CM also commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his tireless efforts toward the country’s development.

Maryam concluded by expressing her confidence that Pakistan can achieve development comparable to Japan, and the benefits of this progress will soon be visible in Punjab.