News Desk
Punjab Chief Minister (CM), Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that empowering daughters was essential for building a strong, prosperous and progressive society.
In her message on the International Day of the Girl Child, she said the Punjab government was committed to ensuring equal opportunities for girls in education, healthcare, protection and development.
The CM said daughters were a blessing from Allah Almighty and a valuable asset to society.
She emphasized that providing girls with equal opportunities for education, health, safety and development was a shared responsibility.
The CM said every girl deserved a safe and supportive environment where she could pursue her dreams and contribute to the progress of the country.
She added that girls’ courage, determination and capabilities had the potential to bring positive change to the world.
CM Maryam Nawaz said girls,sisters and young daughters were the future of the nation, adding that their upbringing and care were not only their fundamental rights but also a national responsibility.
She highlighted the importance of protecting girls’ rights, promoting their education and empowering them to become independent and confident members of society.
She said the Punjab government was implementing a comprehensive roadmap for the education, safety, healthcare and welfare of girls and women. The CM said providing equal educational opportunities and ensuring a bright future for girls remained among the government’s key priorities. In this regard, the provincial government had distributed laptops to facilitate students’ access to education and was providing scholarships to remove financial barriers to girls’ education.
She said a scooty scheme had also been introduced to facilitate female students’ transportation to schools and colleges. To enhance girls’ safety, the government had introduced the Pink Button initiative while a Women Virtual Police Station had been established to provide women with prompt police assistance.
CM Maryam Nawaz said female students were also being provided free travel facilities on electric buses to facilitate their mobility and access to educational institutions.
She said the Punjab government would continue taking measures to ensure girls’ education, protection, empowerment and a secure future.
Separately, Maryam Nawaz condemned the Houthi militia’s attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. In a statement on Sunday, she termed the attack a blatant violation of international law and reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. The CM expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the early recovery of the injured. She said the people of Pakistan stood firmly with Saudi Arabia and supported all efforts to safeguard its security and stability.
Moreover, Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to the security forces for foiling a cross-border infiltration attempt in Kurram district and killing 12 terrorists. The CM also paid homage to Naib Subedar Hidayat Aman, who embraced martyrdom during the operation against the terrorists. She expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the martyred soldier and paid tribute to his sacrifice in defence of the country.