Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, while addressing students from Balochistan at a national workshop, announced that the crime rate in Punjab has dropped by 30 percent, a significant decrease compared to past periods when incidents of serious crime were frequent.
The chief minister on Tuesday attributed this improvement in public safety to the expansion of the Safe City project, which was initially launched in Lahore by Shehbaz Sharif and is now being extended throughout the province. She noted that law enforcement agencies now respond immediately when a panic button is pressed, which has enhanced women’s security.
Speaking on governance, Ms. Nawaz emphasized that her administration strictly adheres to a policy of merit, and stated under oath that no government officer was appointed based on recommendations. She detailed that appointments to key positions such as vice-chancellors, secretaries, and commissioners are made only after panel interviews.
The provincial head also highlighted ongoing development projects, stating that 25,000 houses have already been constructed as part of a five-year plan to build 500,000 homes. She stressed that in Punjab, public funds are allocated directly for public welfare, which she described as a significant difference compared to other provinces.
Concluding her address, the chief minister emphasized a policy of inclusivity, stating that provincial institutions like hospitals and universities serve people from all regions without discrimination. “We have never differentiated between Sindhi, Punjabi, or Kashmiri; we are all Pakistanis,” she affirmed.