100 Days of Maryam Nawaz: Unveiling the Reality Behind the Claims

Before discussing the accomplishments of Maryam Nawaz in her first 100 days, let me remind you of an old story that almost everyone has heard in their childhood.

In the forest, there was a strong friendship between a lion and a monkey. The lion not only made the monkey the Chief Minister of all the animals but also entrusted him with all the responsibilities and powers. The monkey started to consider himself the king, walking around the forest like a monarch and giving commands to everyone. One day, a fight broke out between a bear and a deer. The bear caught the deer’s child and ran away. The crying deer approached the monkey seeking help and justice. The monkey listened to the deer’s story and then began jumping from tree to tree. As the deer cried for help, the monkey jumped faster. Despite the monkey’s frantic jumping, the bear killed and ate the deer’s child. In the end, the deer cried out to the sky, saying that no one had helped her. The monkey, hearing this, angrily came down from the tree and said to the deer, "Haven't you seen how I ran around trying to help you? The rest is Allah's will."

This story is similar to the efforts of our imposed Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz. Now, let's examine her so-called accomplishments in her first 100 days:

1. Laptop Scheme: The PMLN government has launched a laptop scheme worth 10 billion rupees and introduced new tech education programs, such as Middle Tech, Matric Tech, and Inter Tech, which have been marketed as first-time initiatives. However, the distribution of laptops is seen as a complete waste of funds. When a child cannot afford education, what is the use of a laptop? These devices are likely to be used for watching movies and inappropriate content. Furthermore, the tech education programs being promoted were actually launched in 2023 during the PTI tenure. They have already been implemented by institutions such as TEVTA and PVTC, with students having completed one-year diplomas. Yet, the current government is presenting them as new initiatives.
   
   
2. Merit-Based Appointments: Maryam Nawaz emphasized that no appointments in Punjab have been made against merit. However, this claim has been proven false multiple times, as the PMLN is known to hire individuals who can support the party and keep its corruption activities secret. Consequently, there has not been a single hiring based on merit in the government.
   
   
3. Initiatives in Advanced Technologies: The CM also unveiled initiatives in machine learning, artificial intelligence, e-merchandising, and startup skill development programs. However, this claim is baseless, as these initiatives were originally introduced by Imran Khan and have already been adopted by universities. To encourage startups, Imran Khan introduced the Ehsas Youth Entrepreneurship programs. Maryam has merely copied these efforts without any original thought.
   
   
4. Maryam ki Dastak: 'Maryam ki Dastak' is claimed to be an initiative of the Government of Punjab aimed at bringing service delivery to citizens' doorsteps through trained 'Dastak Facilitators.' However, this is another false claim by Maryam Nawaz. The mobile app 'Dastak' was originally introduced by the KP IT Board to facilitate KPK during the PTI government's tenure and was later extended to Punjab. The Government of Punjab had zero involvement in the app's creation or its concept.
   
   
5. Himmat Cards and Agriculture Support: Maryam announced several initiatives, including the issuance of "Himmat Cards" for disabled and bedridden individuals, the provision of wheelchairs, subsidized threshers and super seeders for farmers, and the initiation of solar-powered agriculture tube wells. A significant focus is on increasing oilseed production, supported by a 30 billion rupees green tractor scheme, where 70% of the cost will be covered by the government. However, this is seen by some as another way to mislead the nation. In contrast, Imran Khan introduced a 1 million rupee medical insurance for every citizen, ensuring free medical treatment in any medical institution. The PTI government also provided subsidized medical units for deserving and disabled persons, offering free medication and wheelchairs. For farmers, the 'Kissan Card' was introduced by Imran Khan, allowing them to benefit from various government schemes such as subsidies, loans, and insurance. This card could also be used at ATMs or for purchases at fertilizer dealer shops, benefiting 970,882 farmers. Despite the PMLN government's claims of supporting farmers, data reveals a contradictory scenario. During the first two months (March & April) of their tenure, 778,000 metric tons of wheat worth $231.32 million was imported, significantly impacting local farmers who were forced to sell their wheat at drastically lower prices. A total of 3,557,157.13 metric tons of wheat was imported during the first ten months (July-April) of the fiscal year 2023-24, worth approximately $1.013 billion (around Rs 283 billion). Critics argue that the caretaker government and PMLN have severely damaged the country's agriculture and farmers. Also, i would like to mention that the tractors price has been increased by Rs.350,000 as per new taxes.
   
   
6. Rescue Services and Trauma Centres: Maryam also mentioned that the government is establishing rescue services and trauma centers along all motorways in Punjab. This week, two air ambulances are arriving in Pakistan, intended to serve the poor rather than the wealthy. However, the PMLN Government has consistently demonstrated a lack of vision. Instead of providing basic medical facilities to the poor in their towns, they focus on transporting patients to larger medical centers via air ambulance. How will an air ambulance manage patients from all districts that lack basic medical facilities? This superficial project will consume the entire medical budget, leaving the poor to suffer the consequences. Additionally, the PMLN government has imposed taxes on medicines instead of providing them free to the public.
   
   
7. Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital: Maryam further claimed that the first Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital is being built in Lahore, Pakistan, with outpatient services set to commence in a few months. However, this decision has been criticized as insensitive towards the public of Punjab. Lahore already hosts numerous hospitals dedicated to providing high-quality cancer care, including the advanced Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, which offers state-of-the-art facilities and personalized treatment. Critics argue that the PMLN Government's decision to build another cancer hospital in Lahore reflects a lack of vision, especially considering the 41 districts in Punjab where people lack basic medical facilities.
   
   
8. Price Reduction of Roti: Maryam claimed that the price of Roti has been reduced from 25 rupees to 13 rupees, and she emphasized that this price reduction has been implemented province-wide. However, critics argue that expecting tandoors to lower the price of roti without subsidizing the cost of flour is unrealistic. Shafique Qureshi, President of the Nanbai Association, stated, "We are ready to reduce the roti price if the Punjab government provides us with a subsidy." He highlighted that given the current prices of wheat flour and LPG, they cannot afford to sell roti at cheaper rates. This discrepancy underscores the challenges in achieving significant price reductions without addressing underlying cost factors.
   
   
9. Ramadan Package: Maryam stated that a 30 billion rupees Ramadan package was distributed door-to-door, providing free ration to 6 million deserving families under the Punjab government's Ramadan free ration program. However, allegations of corruption surfaced when 600 ration bags, valued at over 24 lacs, were found at a residence in the 83 WB area of Vehari. Asghar, the owner, disclosed that he had rented his house to Shakeel, Mustafa, and Nasir from the Assistant Commissioner’s Office in Melsi. Asghar revealed that these ration bags were distributed among authorities and officials instead of reaching the deserving public.
   
   
10. Free Milk Program: Maryam announced plans for a 'free milk' program for children in government schools from pre-school to Grade 5, costing Rs27 billion. However, critics argue that providing packaged artificial milk may not offer sufficient nutrients and could lead to health issues for children. They allege that this initiative seems more like an investment in a packaged milk company rather than a genuine effort to benefit children's health and education. Critics further contend that these funds, amounting to 27 billion rupees, could be better utilized for establishing and improving educational institutions, rather than on a potentially flawed nutritional program.
    
    
11. Free WiFi Project: The Chief Minister announced a Free WiFi Project for Lahore, budgeted at 300 million rupees. Despite the project being approved and funds allocated, it was never executed. Instead, existing WiFi sites from the Free Punjab WiFi project were repurposed to create the illusion of the new Lahore Free WiFi. It was revealed that Safe City Punjab and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) collaborated to utilize the existing infrastructure for this purpose. Allegations surfaced that the allocated funds were misappropriated, benefiting government officials, including the Chief Minister.
    
    
12. Eco-Friendly Lahore: The Chief Minister launched a project aimed at making Lahore the best eco-friendly city. However, critics argue that constructing roads within the city contradicts this goal. They point out that the government has not implemented any measures to offset the environmental impact of road construction by planting an equivalent number of trees. The increased concrete and metal infrastructure is seen as contributing to higher carbon emissions and heat, exacerbating global warming and leading to more severe summers and extreme weather conditions. Thus, achieving a truly eco-friendly environment in the city remains a challenge under these circumstances.
    
    
13. Nawaz Sharif IT City: Additionally, the announcement of the Nawaz Sharif IT City, covering 853 acres and declared tax-free for the next 10 years, is viewed as another instance of recycling old projects. Previously known as Knowledge Park, this project was funded and announced decades ago. Critics argue that the government is re-announcing projects for which funds were already allocated in previous tenures. They accuse the authorities of executing the same initiatives under different names to secure funding multiple times. The Knowledge Park, for example, had shown little progress over a decade, yet recent claims suggest rapid advancements within just two months, raising skepticism about the transparency and efficiency of project management.

The 100 days of Maryam Nawaz's tenure stand as a stark testament to her incompetence and corruption as Chief Minister. Rather than focusing on genuine governance and development, her administration allocated a staggering 670 million rupees solely for marketing purposes, aimed at falsely portraying achievements. A significant portion, approximately 150 million rupees, was reportedly distributed to TikTokers and celebrities to praise her on social media, emphasizing superficial gains over substantive progress. This misuse of public funds not only underscores a lack of transparency and accountability but also highlights a blatant disregard for the real needs of the people. The actions during these 100 days paint a picture of a leader more concerned with optics and self-promotion than addressing the critical challenges facing Punjab.

Author

Sajid M.Qureshi

Email: sajid.mq@outlook.com

Blogs: https://sajidmq.blogspot.com

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/sajidmq