Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has once again targeted former prime minister Imran Khan claiming that while "good news is coming from everywhere," only bad news is emerging from Adiala Jail.
Speaking at a rally in Narowal, she referred to letters and pleas originating from the jail, which, she claimed, have been pleading for Khan's release.
She praised her father - PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif - for bringing Pakistan out of its economic struggles and vowed to continue working tirelessly to improve the lives of the people of Punjab.
"Under Nawaz Sharif's leadership, the country has overcome its difficulties. We will work day and night to change the lives of the people of Punjab," she declared.
Punjab's economic growth
Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the government's efforts in improving the provincial economy, claiming that Punjab has the lowest inflation rate compared to other provinces.
She emphasised that during Nawaz Sharif's leadership, Pakistan’s economy had taken off, contrasting it with the economic turmoil under Imran Khan's tenure.
“During Imran Khan's rule, the stock market crashed, and terrorism resurfaced in the country. But today, we are witnessing a different scenario. Inflation has decreased from 38% to 5%, and Pakistan’s economy is thriving once again,” she said.
PML-N's commitment to public service
The Punjab CM took pride in the provincial government's work over the past year. She stated that Punjab is now experiencing visible changes. "In just one year, we have transformed the province. Today, Punjab is cleaner, and the price of bread has reduced from Rs 25 to Rs 12-13," she noted.
She further discussed the government's support for low-income groups, revealing that loans are being provided to the poor for house construction. Farmers have been issued Kisan cards, and Himmat cards have been given to the disabled to ensure their well-being.
Maryam Nawaz also took a jibe at the previous PTI government, asking what they had done for the youth.
She claimed that her government is actively working to empower the youth by increasing scholarships to 50,000, with the distribution of 100,000 laptops on the horizon.
"Under our leadership, we are not just talking about youth empowerment. We are taking tangible steps by offering scholarships and providing laptops to students,” she added.
Critique of PTI's governance
Without directly naming Imran Khan, Maryam Nawaz criticized the PTI government for the economic and security challenges Pakistan faced under their rule.
“The PTI government brought the country to the brink of default. Terrorism returned during their tenure. Now, all we hear is bad news from Adiala Jail,” she said, alluding to Khan’s imprisonment.
She continued to state that, contrary to the opposition's expectations, her government has been able to handle the country’s issues and is moving Pakistan towards progress.
"The opponents had created problems, believing that if the PMLN came into power, it would fail to manage the country. But today, we are on the path to development."
Maryam Nawaz also spoke about the ongoing infrastructure projects in Punjab, including the inauguration of various highway construction initiatives in Narowal.
She emphasised that her government is working tirelessly to improve the lives of the people in every aspect, from economic to social development.
“Today, we are not waiting for five years to showcase our performance. I am standing before you with the results of our hard work in just one year,” she concluded.
