Barren land to nurture blue economy
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed her resolve to rehabilitate barren lands across the province by converting them into economic zones under the Blue Economy Programme.
According to a statement, she appreciated the relevant team for expediting work on developing infrastructure for shrimp farming projects in Sargodha, Ali Wala and Shah Garh.
In the Sargodha shrimp farming project, excavation of 118 ponds has been completed, while boring of 116 tube wells and land clearing and survey over 365 acres have been finalised. Construction of a warehouse is 90 per cent complete, while work on the admin block and feed store is progressing rapidly. The project spans a total area of 500 acres.
For the Ali Wala shrimp estate, 90% of the allocated 1,267 acres have been cleared. Excavation of 642 out of 737 ponds has been completed, while 91% work on the drainage system and excavation of drains have been finalised. A survey and clearing of a 9km road network have been completed, and 80% earth filling has been done. Foundations for the admin office, hostel, warehouse and labour residences have been completed.
At the Shah Garh shrimp farm, 90% work on water supply, 95% electrification and 97% construction of the access road have been completed.
The chief minister said that promotion of aquaculture and shrimp farming of international standard would help rehabilitate barren lands, create employment and boost exports.
The Blue Economy Programme has been launched to develop unused land across Punjab. This marks the first government-backed initiative in the province introducing a scientific system for shrimp farming.
According to experts, the water temperature has been found suitable for shrimp cultivation.
A report stated that shrimps are being provided 114 kilogrammes of feed daily, while supplements have shown encouraging results in improving both quality and yield to international standards.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz asserted that the initiative would help transform Punjab into a hub of aquaculture.
Chinese Language
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz praised China's key role in promoting peace, stability and global development.
In her message on Chinese Language Day, she said China's remarkable development serves as a bright example for the world.
Chinese language has gained importance on the global stage, she said. Chinese is one of the six official languages of the United Nations, spoken by approximately 1.25 billion people around the world.
The chief minister stated that China's political, diplomatic and economic importance is widely acknowledged, making awareness of the Chinese language essential. Learning Chinese can strengthen the friendship between Pakistan and China, she remarked.
She highlighted that Punjab Police personnel assigned to the security of Chinese nationals are being taught the Chinese language.
She emphasised that proficiency in Chinese is crucial for connecting with China's market, adding that learning the language helps in understanding Chinese culture and fostering better relations with its people.
Martyred policewoman
In a statement, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to martyred Balochistan Police Lady Constable Malik Naz Baloch who sacrificed her life during an operation against terrorists in Khuzdar. She said the brave daughter of Balochistan had set an example of courage.
The chief minister prayed for the bereaved family and expressed her sympathy and condolences.