TLDR:
• Punjab prioritises cleaning political chaos
• PTI protests dismissed by the public
• Economic stability strengthens Maryam’s leadership
LAHORE (The Thursday Times) — Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, speaking at the launch of the ‘Suthra Punjab’ campaign in Lahore, highlighted the critical need for cleaning not only the streets and neighbourhoods of Punjab but also its political environment. She emphasised that despite repeated calls for protests and unrest by PTI, the public had outrightly rejected their agenda.
Improving urban and rural sanitation
Maryam Nawaz announced a unified waste management system aimed at cleaning both urban and rural areas across Punjab. The initiative, driven by public-private partnerships, seeks to elevate the standards of cleanliness while fostering a healthier environment. She stressed that addressing physical waste is not merely about sanitation but about paving the way for a more cohesive social and political atmosphere.
Eradicating political chaos
The Chief Minister underlined the equal importance of cleaning the political mess that hinders progress in Punjab and Pakistan. Criticising PTI’s disruptive tactics, she noted that their rallies and calls for unrest had consistently failed. She framed this failure as a victory for public awareness, stating that these protests symbolised chaos rather than any meaningful change.
Advancing economic stability
Economic progress featured prominently in Maryam’s speech as she lauded her government’s efforts to reduce inflation and stabilise basic commodity prices. She positioned these achievements as proof of a well-directed administration and vowed to overcome any elements threatening Pakistan’s economic recovery.
Honouring sacrifices of law enforcement
Maryam Nawaz recognised the sacrifices of police and Rangers who faced violent attacks during protests. She shared insights from her visit to injured officers in CMH, where many bore injuries inflicted by weapons and blunt objects. She applauded their resilience and restraint, even in the face of direct aggression.
Accusations against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s role
The Chief Minister accused the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of misusing public funds to fuel terrorism. She alleged that foreign-trained militants were armed and tasked to spread unrest across Pakistan. This, she asserted, was a deliberate effort to destabilise the country amidst its economic recovery.
Criticism of Imran Khan
Maryam Nawaz lambasted former Prime Minister Imran Khan, accusing him of leading disruptive protests since his removal from office. She pointed out the irreparable damage caused during the events of May 9, attributing the loss of public trust directly to his actions.
Commitment to democracy and peaceful protests
Asserting her belief in democracy, Maryam reaffirmed her commitment to peaceful political expression. She highlighted that her rallies and campaigns had always been conducted without causing harm to public property or state institutions. She stressed that any form of protest must remain lawful and peaceful to truly embody democratic values.
A pledge for Pakistan’s progress
Maryam Nawaz concluded by affirming her dedication to defeating the forces obstructing the nation’s development. She called on citizens to support her government’s mission to bring stability, prosperity, and peace to Pakistan.