LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that her work for the province has received international recognition, adding that her government has focused on delivering practical benefits to people rather than making unrealistic promises. She highlighted housing initiatives aimed at helping deserving families fulfil their dream of owning a home.
Addressing officers of the Sindh Administrative Service in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz said Pakistan had given its people respect and identity, adding that they remained indebted to the country. She also praised administrative service officers, describing them as a source of pride and emphasising the importance of teamwork in government operations.
The Punjab chief minister said holding the office of chief minister was not simply about travelling in an official vehicle or occupying a position of authority. According to her, public welfare remained her primary responsibility, and she continued working with determination despite the challenges involved in running the provincial government.
Maryam Nawaz stressed that public service required consistent commitment and responsible decision-making. She said decisions concerning public welfare were made daily and argued that government employment should involve more than attending the office, marking attendance and signing routine files while avoiding difficult responsibilities.
She also spoke about accountability within the provincial administration, saying that some ministers in her cabinet invited members of the public to meet them but subsequently failed to attend to their concerns. She maintained that anyone occupying a public office must put personal interests aside and prioritise the needs of citizens.
Discussing the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing programme, Maryam Nawaz said the initiative was designed to help deserving people achieve homeownership. She explained that the scheme included checks and balances, with housing loans released in instalments at different stages of construction. She added that progress was inspected at each stage to ensure that construction was taking place as required.
The chief minister also said she had never appointed an officer on the basis of personal recommendations and had maintained merit as a guiding principle in appointments. Her remarks focused on public service, administrative accountability, merit-based appointments and housing assistance as key areas of her government’s approach to governance.
