Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed concern over the growing number of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) patients seeking medical treatment in Punjab’s hospitals, highlighting the healthcare disparities between the provinces.
During a compelling address in Faisalabad, she praised Punjab’s healthcare achievements while urging K-P’s leadership to shift its focus from political unrest to meeting the public’s basic needs.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that while previous administrations across the country made grand promises, her government in Punjab has demonstrated tangible results by prioritizing merit-based progress and fostering social welfare.
She pointed out that 90% of young professionals in her government were selected purely on merit, despite internal opposition. Over the past six months, her administration has provided 1,000 jobs to deserving youth without resorting to favoritism.
In addition to Punjab’s successful merit-based employment drive, Maryam Nawaz announced the launch of a Rs 400 billion farmer support package, marking the largest initiative of its kind in Pakistan’s history.
This program, set to roll out next year, is expected to provide unprecedented support to farmers across the province, further boosting Punjab’s agricultural sector.
Addressing the critical state of healthcare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Nawaz revealed that there is currently a backlog of 15,000 children in need of heart surgeries, many of whom are from K-P.
She assured the public that immediate surgeries have been arranged for 100 children, including several from the neighboring province, highlighting Punjab’s commitment to supporting all citizens in need, regardless of their provincial background.
Taking a firm stance, Maryam Nawaz called on K-P’s leaders to prioritize the welfare of their people. She urged them to invest in public infrastructure and healthcare rather than focusing on political “vandalism and attacks.”
Her message was clear: K-P’s leadership should turn away from inflammatory rhetoric and destructive actions and, instead, embrace the development of a robust public service infrastructure.
