10 more malls to offer farm inputs, machines
Punjab Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday inaugurated four development projects worth Rs5.61 billion in Sahiwal and laid the foundation stone for 10 model agriculture malls across the province.
The inaugurated projects are the Maryam Nawaz Sports Arena, beautification and renovation of Model Saddar Bazaar, a model agriculture mall and a 27-kilometre dual carriageway linking Sahiwal with Arifwala.
The chief minister received a warm welcome from thousands of residents in the city.
She inspected the facilities at the sports arena, interacted with players and signed autographs for children.
She also played cricket, football and posed for photographs with visitors.
The chief minister inaugurated the Model Saddar Bazaar beautification project, where officials said underground wiring for electricity and other utilities had been installed in the market. The project also includes a gate, paved walkways, benches, planters and waste bins.
At the agriculture mall, the CM inspected equipment, including harvesters, planters and drone-spraying machines.
Officials said the facility would provide certified seeds, fertilisers and pesticides alongside modern agricultural machinery for rent. Farmers would also have access to training programmes, expert advice on pest, soil and crop management, quality-control, testing and financial services and credit support. The mall has nine shops, a machinery display area and a training hall.
In the coming phase, 10 model malls will be established in Jhang, Faisalabad, Renala Khurd, Khanewal, Jampur, Burewala, Sadiqabad, Muridke, Pindi Gheb and Mianwali.
The chief minister also inaugurated the Sahiwal-Arifwala dual carriageway. Officials said the road would benefit millions of residents across three districts.
Elected representatives from Sahiwal thanked the chief minister for its completion.
During her visit, the chief minister also directed officials to expedite other road projects in Sahiwal.
Addressing a ceremony for the distribution of laptops and scholarship cheques at the University of Sahiwal, the chief minister directed authorities concerned to build a girls' hostel and restore scholarships for nurses.
She said the government was reaching out to people in need instead of requiring them to visit offices.
According to an official statement, a student of the University of Sahiwal said on the occasion, "A laptop is not merely a machine; it is a gateway to progress."
Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said the grant of the university had been increased from Rs40 million to Rs400 million.