Punjab Minister Maryam Nawaz firmly rejected suggestions to request international aid from flood relief, saying the provincial government would manage the crisis using its own resources. She also accused the Pakistani people party (PPP) of politicizing the disaster.
During the launch of the very first electric bus service in Dera Ghazi Khan, Maryam addressed the devastation caused by four months of consecutive precipitation, which led to the worst floods in the history of Punjab.
She targeted the leadership of the PPP, in particular President Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, for interfering in the affairs of Punjab instead of focusing on their own province.
“Keep your advice for you. We will manage the Punjab ourselves,” she said, adding that if Bilawal is like a younger brother, her group’s spokespersons should refrain from commenting on Punjab’s situation.
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The CM also discussed calls to Punjab to ask for international donations, insisting that his government would never “be helping help.” I am the daughter of Nawaz Sharif. I will not begged. How can a person who self-respect hold his hand? ” She said, reiterating that her government would count on her own resources.
Maryam stressed that Punjab had not asked for no financial assistance from the federal government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for flooding. “I did not take or even ask for a rupee from the Prime Minister,” she said.
She also criticized the Benazir income support support program to provide insufficient help to families affected by the floods. “What can someone do with 10,000 rupees if he has suffered a loss of millions?” She asked. In response, it has engaged at 1 million rupees in compensation for affected families.
The CM also underlined its commitment to all Punjab, rejecting efforts to divide the province according to regional lines. “The southern Punjab is as dear to me as my own son, Junaid,” she said, highlighting the real work of development of the PML-N in the region.
She added that under her direction, schoolchildren in southern Punjab received milk and other practical well-being measures were being implemented.
In his speech, the chief minister discussed well-being measures targeting families who find it difficult to reach both ends. She clarified that the rationing cards of her administration were intended for workers, and not for those who count on the assistance of the government effortlessly.
Electric bus service for southern Punjab
Maryam launched the new electric bus service, calling it a historic step in the modernization of the Southern Punjab transport system.
A total of 101 buses will be deployed in the DG Khan division, covering areas like Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Taunsa and Kot Addu. The service will offer free trips to women, students and the elderly, and will be fully accessible to people with disabilities.
The first phase includes 24 buses on routes in DG Khan, which will include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, load ports, video surveillance cameras and separate compartments for women.
In her final remarks, she urged citizens to treat new buses like theirs, stressing that harmful public goods are likely to harm the public himself. “These buses belong to people. Keep them clean and save them, ”she said.
