CM Maryam Nawaz announces plots for 3,200 journalists

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced plans to allocate plots to 3,200 journalists in the province.

This decision was made during a meeting with Provincial Minister for Information, Azma Bukhari, where immediate actions for the Lahore Phase 2 Journalist Colony were discussed.

Maryam Nawaz stated, "Journalists and the government are like two wheels of a vehicle." She emphasised that providing plots is not a favour but a rightful claim of the journalists. She assured that the allocation process would be based on merit and compliance with legal requirements.

The Punjab Information Ministry has also decided to solicit applications from journalists beyond the Lahore Press Club.

An official advertisement for this initiative is expected to be released in the next two to three days, highlighting the government's commitment to support media professionals in the region.

Maryam Nawaz also hosted over 1,400 Hindu families, distributing checks of Rs 15,150 each to aid their festive celebrations. During the event, she announced several initiatives to enhance support for minority communities in Punjab.

These include the introduction of special identity cards and the creation of virtual police stations to address grievances.Additionally, she highlighted plans for developmental projects in minority neighbourhoods.

Previously the CM Punjab launched the "Kisaan Card" initiative in Hafizabad, designed to assist farmers by minimising the role of intermediaries and ensuring direct benefits.

Maryam also introduced the upcoming "Green Tractor Scheme," which has already received 1.5 million applications. This programme will provide subsidies of up to Rs 1 million for tractors priced around Rs 4 million.

Additionally, a significant Rs 10-15 billion initiative will establish machinery hubs in each tehsil, allowing farmers to access affordable equipment.

To further support farmers, she outlined plans to solarise tube wells currently powered by diesel and petrol, aiming to convert 7,000 units initially, which is expected to lower electricity costs for agricultural producers.

CM calls for cross-border climate cooperation; enforces green lockdown

In a bid to tackle the severe smog affecting Lahore, the Punjab Environmental Department has implemented a “green lockdown” in several high-smog areas. This initiative comes as the provincial government seeks to collaborate with Indian Punjab to address the ongoing environmental crisis.

As Lahore's air quality deteriorates to alarming levels, making it one of the most polluted cities in the world, Maryam Nawaz has emphasised the need for joint efforts with Indian authorities to combat pollution.

Meanwhile, Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb presented the government’s initiatives on combating smog during a special session of the Punjab Assembly. She highlighted the steps being taken under CM Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, noting plans to initiate “Air Quality Index diplomacy” with India.

Recent data from air quality monitoring systems reveals that Lahore's smog has escalated to critical levels in recent days.

Current measurements indicate that the city ranks among the top three most polluted cities globally, alongside Beijing and Delhi.