LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that by the grace of Allah Almighty, Muharram was held peacefully, with dignity and in an organised manner across the province for the second consecutive year.
In a message posted on X, she expressed gratitude and congratulated the entire Punjab team on the peaceful conduct of Muharram processions and Majalis. She praised provincial ministers, MPAs, district administrations, Punjab Police, law enforcement agencies, Rescue 1122, Suthra Punjab teams, Health Department and Local Government Department for working tirelessly round the clock to ensure effective arrangements. She said the measures taken to provide relief to mourners during the intense heat were exemplary. She noted that cold water stalls had been set up across the province, rose water was sprinkled along procession routes and smog guns were used to spray water, providing significant relief from the scorching weather.
She said Suthra Punjab teams ensured exemplary cleanliness arrangements along the routes of Majalis and processions, setting a new benchmark for sanitation and public service.
The chief minister said the coordination and teamwork displayed by all departments was a matter of pride. Despite the sweltering heat during the sacred days of Muharram, Punjab Police personnel remained deployed to the streets, she said, adding that the police, including traffic personnel, performed their duties with dedication and ensured complete security for mourners without regard for the harsh weather conditions.
She said Ashura passed peacefully and safely due to the professionalism, commitment and day-and-night efforts of police personnel. She paid tribute to all officials who prioritised public service in the extreme weather, saying, “You are our pride. Keep up the excellent work.”
On the instructions of the chief minister, Special Assistant for Inspection Team Shoaib Mirza visited the home of eight-year-old Muntaha in Sargodha to meet her grieving family. Muntaha’s life was taken in a horrific act of violence that has shaken the entire province. Sitting with Muntaha’s parents and relatives, Shoaib conveyed the chief minister’s deepest condolences.
Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz has said Punjab offers immense opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), adding that her government will extend every possible support to help SME businesses gain access to global markets. In her message on International Day of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, the chief minister said the day is meant to focus government attention on the promotion of small and medium-sized businesses. She said the Punjab government is supporting SMEs through the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme and the Asaan Karobar Card.
Meanwhile, Maryam said deaf and blind persons are neither a burden nor incapable, but a living symbol of courage, resilience and self-reliance. In her message on the Deaf Blindness Day, she said people deprived of both hearing and sight are the most special members of society. Supporting and encouraging deaf blind persons is a collective responsibility and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities is not an act of charity but their fundamental right.
The provincial government is providing dignified financial assistance to the deaf blind and other persons with disabilities through the Himmat Card programme. She said assistive devices are being provided to the deaf blind and other special persons to enable them to participate in all walks of life with dignity. Special education institutions under the Special Education Department are being upgraded into Centres of Excellence. Modern educational opportunities are being provided to all children with disabilities, including deaf blind children.
Maryam Nawaz on Saturday expressed gratitude over a successful operation against terrorists in Kharan and Mastung and paid tribute to the security forces for eliminating eight terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan. She said the nation’s collective resolve to eradicate terrorism remains firm.
