Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the launch of a ration card program for 1.25 million working families across the province.
Speaking at a ceremony for distributing ration cards to workers and miners, she addressed the rising tensions along the India-Pakistan border, saying there’s no cause for alarm.
She expressed full confidence in the Pakistan Army’s ability to handle any threat, stating, “Allah Almighty has given Pakistan, Pakistani people and the Pakistan Army the courage to encounter the enemy.”
She emphasized unity during such times and said, “I want to tell the Pakistani people that no matter which party we belong to, we should stand with the Pakistan Army on this occasion.”
Highlighting Pakistan’s defense capabilities, she added, “Any enemy of Pakistan will think ten times before attacking as everyone knows that Pakistan is a nuclear power.”
She credited her father, saying, “Pakistan was made a nuclear power by Nawaz Sharif,” and praised both the martyrs and Nawaz Sharif for their role in strengthening the nation.
Expressing gratitude, she said, “I thank Allah Almighty for fulfilling the long-standing dream of ration cards for workers.”
Maryam Nawaz acknowledged the tireless efforts of laborers, pointing out that their hard work is behind the country’s infrastructure development, from roads to airports and hospitals.
She stressed that those who contribute so much deserve support in return, noting that each ration card will provide Rs.3,000 monthly to help meet basic needs.
“It is my wish and prayer that no poor or labourer’s child sleeps with an empty stomach,” she added.
She also commended Labour Minister Faisal Khokhar, his team, and Provincial Minister for Minerals Sher Ali Gorchani for issuing ration cards to 40,000 workers as part of the program’s initial rollout.
The scheme, which will operate with a yearly budget of Rs.50 billion, aims to expand and include as many workers as possible. She clarified that, “The ration card is not for those who ask for arms, but for those who work 15 to 16 hours in a day.”
Maryam Nawaz shared a touching moment, saying it was heartening to meet a dedicated worker from Muzaffargarh who continues to strive despite losing his limbs.
She reiterated the government’s resolve to enforce the minimum wage of Rs.37,000 under all circumstances, and appreciated that even Rs.3,000 could make a difference in the lives of many.
She concluded by saying that since taking office, her administration has worked to ease access to government support, aiming to eliminate the need for people to stand in long lines. “I do not like people standing in queues to distribute rations,” she said.