LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday announced that special cards will be issued to flood victims for compensation, as she digitally launched a province-wide flood survey portal at a ceremony, held at Alhamra Cultural Complex.
She said survey teams, comprising officials from the revenue, agriculture, livestock, district administration and Pakistan Army, would collect comprehensive data on damages to houses, agricultural land, and livestock. “Every loss will be assessed and every loss will be compensated,” she vowed, adding that arrangements were also being made for winter accommodation and food for displaced families.
Maryam administered oath to the survey teams, calling them the “sons and daughters of Punjab” and her “eyes, ears, hands, and arms”. She said those chosen to serve humanity in times of crisis were fortunate, terming their work an “act of worship”.
Paying tribute to Assistant Commissioner Pattoki Furqan Ahmed and PDMA officer Abdul Rehman, who embraced martyrdom during relief efforts, the CM said, “Those who became a source of hope in the merciless floodwaters are the lucky ones”.
Highlighting Punjab’s response, she said the province carried out the largest evacuation, rescue and relief operation in Pakistan’s history, feeding millions of people, providing milk for children, and ensuring fodder for livestock. She noted Punjab became the first province to transport 2 million animals to safety. “Punjab took care of every life, be it human or animal. I am proud to be a Punjabi, as rescuers carried even pets on their chests,” she remarked. Maryam also thanked Pir Pagara for praising Punjab’s handling of the floods and lauded her cabinet colleagues for their tireless efforts. She said floods this year had broken historical records and underscored that Punjab was setting “new traditions of success”.
She urged leaders of other provinces to focus on serving their people instead of criticising Punjab, so their citizens could also benefit. Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz Saturday met a 55th Staff Course delegation of the Pakistan Navy War College, led by Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmed Azmi, which included officers from Pakistan’s three armed forces and 15 friendly countries. Welcoming the delegates, she expressed solidarity with Palestine and appreciated the participation of Palestinian officers.
Briefing the visitors, Maryam Nawaz outlined her government’s reforms in health, infrastructure, transport, and social welfare. She announced that the world’s largest 1,000-bed government cancer hospital in Lahore would be completed within ten months, while the first Institute of Cardiology for Sargodha division was nearing completion. She said 2,500 health centres had been upgraded, mobile health facilities expanded, and advanced cancer treatment introduced without surgery, chemo, or radiotherapy. Highlighting Punjab’s flood relief efforts, she said 2.5 million people were rescued and provided food and shelter. She also noted that 20,000 kilometres of roads had been constructed or repaired under the Punjab Development Programme and Lahore Development Plan.
The CM added that 1,100 electric buses would soon operate across Punjab at Rs20 per ride, describing them as a “symbol of innovation and revolution”. She also cited new initiatives such as anti-smog guns, wildlife rangers, city beautification, tourism revival, and expansion of the Safe City project to 25 districts. Maryam briefed the delegation about the establishment of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority to curb inflation, hoarding, and encroachments, and highlighted the province’s distinction in introducing the first Sikh Marriage Act. She also pointed out that 13,000 new businesses had been launched through interest-free loans to entrepreneurs. The delegation appreciated the chief minister’s initiatives and thanked her for her hospitality.
Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz, in her message on World Tourism Day, said tourism holds immense potential for strengthening Punjab’s economy and creating employment opportunities.
She noted that many countries around the world rely on tourism to boost their economies, while Punjab is equally rich in natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage. “I am determined to strengthen the economy of Punjab using tourism,” she said.
The CM highlighted that Pakistan is home to ancient civilisations, archaeological sites, and religious tourism, making it a unique destination for both local and foreign visitors. She said the government is developing new tourist sites and ensuring facilities for visitors under an integrated tourism policy.
Maryam added that tourism not only promotes local culture but also provides livelihoods to communities. She stressed that the Punjab government was committed to improving safety, accessibility, and comfort for tourists, while further exploring the province’s untapped tourism potential.
