LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has granted in-principle approval for the province’s first “Skill City,” directing officials to submit detailed plans at the earliest.
The proposed project will establish technical education institutes aligned with industry needs, while existing vocational institutions across Punjab will be upgraded into Centres of Excellence. To enhance global recognition and quality, the province’s Technical and Vocational Education Board will seek affiliations with institutions in Scotland and the United Kingdom.
A comprehensive plan was also presented to introduce market-oriented technical education at the matriculation level. The initiative aims to equip students with employable skills immediately after school, offering training in areas such as graphic design, media production, fashion design, coding, tourism, electrical work, plumbing, solar systems, culinary arts and allied health.
Chairing a meeting on “Matric Tech” and school-based skills development, the chief minister highlighted her vision of making Punjab’s youth highly skilled and job-ready. She directed that qualified instructors be hired and curricula be developed in consultation with industry experts to ensure practical relevance.
Also, CM Maryam Nawaz, in her Eidul Fitr message, extended greetings to the Muslim Ummah and urged citizens to celebrate the festival with simplicity in light of the prevailing regional situation. She stated that Eid is a time of compassion and called on people to include the underprivileged in their celebrations, stressing that true joy is incomplete if those nearby remain deprived of basic festive necessities.
Highlighting welfare efforts, she said financial assistance has reached around 4 million families — benefiting nearly 20 million people across Punjab. Under the “Maryam Ki Sunain” initiative, deserving individuals received Rs10,000 through digital transfers via JazzCash.
The chief minister underscored that caring for the needy is a collective responsibility and said the real spirit of Eid lies in empathy, sharing and gratitude. She also paid tribute to national martyrs and prayed for peace, safety and well-being for Muslims worldwide.
Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz, in her message on World Down Syndrome Day, stressed that children with Down Syndrome deserve dedicated care, attention and inclusion in society.
She called for an integrated system to ensure effective treatment, rehabilitation and long-term support. Highlighting government efforts, she noted improvements in education and training facilities at special institutions, along with enhanced transport services to improve access.
The chief minister said the day serves as a reminder to renew collective commitment toward the care, inclusion and social integration of children with Down syndrome, urging society to work together for their well-being.
Also, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in her message on Nowruz, extended warm greetings and described the occasion as a celebration of spring, hope and renewal. She said Nowruz reflects shared traditions and cultural diversity, highlighting its role in fostering harmony and mutual understanding among communities. The chief minister added that such festivals help strengthen bonds within families and between nations.
Highlighting the festival’s symbolism, she noted that Nowruz represents peace, prosperity and the universal aspiration for a better future, expressing hope that it brings positive change and wellbeing for all.
In her message on the International Day of Forests, the CM urged citizens to actively participate in tree plantation efforts, stressing that planting trees is a shared responsibility for protecting the environment. She encouraged children to plant trees in the names of their parents and teachers as a gesture of respect and awareness.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to a cleaner ecosystem, she said modern technologies such as thermal sensors are being used to protect forests and wildlife. Initiatives including compartment-level forest mapping, a detection intelligence system for forest fires, and a dedicated helpline (1084) have also been introduced to improve forest management and emergency response.
Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz praised the successful completion of Ramazan relief initiatives, calling the “Nigehban Ramazan Package 2026” a landmark in public welfare.
In her message, she expressed gratitude for achieving targets focused on compassion and service, noting that financial assistance was delivered directly to beneficiaries with dignity. The programme supported around 4.5 million families—benefiting nearly 25 million people across the province—while the “Maryam Ki Sunain” initiative provided Rs10,000 to thousands of families.
She highlighted that about 4 million people were served Iftar at hundreds of Nigehban Dastarkhwans, while a province-wide price control campaign ensured stability in essential commodity prices. Ramazan bazaars also facilitated daily shopping for large numbers of citizens.
The chief minister further underscored inclusivity efforts, stating that financial aid was extended to over 157,000 Christian families during Lent under the Minority Card initiative, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting all communities.
Maryam Nawaz, in her message on the World Water Day, stressed that access to safe drinking water is essential for a healthy life and a basic human right. She described water as a blessing of Almighty Allah and stressed that preventing its wastage is a national responsibility, also highlighting Islamic teachings on conservation. She said the Punjab government is working to ensure clean drinking water for all citizens through multiple initiatives. The chief minister stressed the importance of increasing groundwater levels and adopting sustainable water use strategies to ensure long-term availability for future generations.
Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow and grief over the passing of the daughter of senior Pakistan Peoples Party leader and Senator Sherry Rehman. She offered prayers for the departed soul.
