Under the direction of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, environmental surveillance has been launched in Punjab using an integrated system involving drones and the latest satellite technology.
A crackdown on violations of environmental laws and smoke emissions has been initiated through drone and satellite monitoring. Factories contributing to smoke emissions and failing to comply with environmental regulations have been identified using drones.
In one instance, a team from the Environment Protection Department, accompanied by the district administration, raided two factories located on Sheikhupura Road, Gujranwala. Both factories, which were operating kilns that contributed to environmental pollution, were demolished and subsequently sealed.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb praised the swift action taken by the Environment Protection Department and the district administration. She stated, “On the directive of CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, we will continue to advance the preemptive environmental protection campaign with urgency.”
The minister further emphasized the need to eliminate factors contributing to smog, which claims the lives of 250,000 people annually. She urged the citizens of Punjab to actively support the government’s campaign against smog.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif made an impromptu stop at a tea stall while returning to Lahore from DG Khan after attending the ‘Children Nutrition Program’ ceremony. During her visit, she spoke with locals, sharing that Nawaz Sharif is deeply concerned about the rising electricity bills. She reassured them that both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and herself are working tirelessly to provide relief to the people. She highlighted that significant reductions have been made in the prices of essential commodities such as flour, sugar, ghee, pulses, and vegetables across Punjab, with efforts ongoing to bring further relief.
In her message on Pakistan Navy Day, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif saluted the Pakistan Navy for its role in safeguarding the nation’s coastal boundaries. She commended the officers and personnel of the Navy, calling them the pride of the nation. Reflecting on the 8th of September, she honored the sacrifices and extraordinary achievements of the Navy, particularly in the 1965 and 1971 wars, where they dealt a heavy blow to the enemy. She emphasized that the Pakistan Navy’s contributions in defending the homeland would be remembered in history.
In her message on International Literacy Day, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring education for all, especially for out-of-school children. She mentioned that necessary resources are being allocated to provide basic education to marginalized segments of society. On this occasion, she pledged to promote education for everyone, emphasizing that Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge, as highlighted in the Holy Quran.
The chief minister also noted that literacy plays a crucial role in improving quality of life and expanding opportunities for progress, stressing that a bright future is impossible without achieving a 100% literacy rate. The Punjab government is implementing historic and innovative measures to improve access to education.
She also highlighted that under the ‘Chief Minister School Nutrition Program,’ milk packets are being distributed to 400,000 students across three districts. Additionally, the government is providing laptops to students to aid their education and research efforts and offering scholarships for students in national and international universities.
To further support students, particularly female students, the Punjab government is introducing bus services across all tehsils to ensure safe and comfortable transportation. The ongoing enrolment campaign is also focusing on increasing admissions for children across the province.
