CM Punjab Initiatives regarding Women

Maryam Nawaz Sharif: Championing Women’s Empowerment for an Inclusive and Progressive Punjab

As the first-ever female Chief Minister of any province in Pakistan’s history, Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken it upon herself to address women-related issues with an unprecedented level of commitment and determination. Her leadership marks a transformative era in Punjab, where women’s empowerment, safety, and financial independence are placed at the forefront of governance. From launching Pakistan’s first virtual women police station to facilitating women’s mobility and economic participation, her government is actively working to create a safer and more inclusive society for women. Her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have set a new benchmark for women’s rights and security in Pakistan.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated Pakistan’s first virtual women police station, “Meri Awaz…Maryam Nawaz,” at the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA). This initiative aims to ensure that women can report crimes, including harassment, in a safe and confidential manner without physically visiting police stations. Women can register complaints through multiple channels, including the 15 emergency helpline, Women Safety App live chat, video calls, Punjab Police App, and the Safe City web portal. Her commitment to making Punjab a safer place for women is truly commendable.

A significant feature of the virtual police station is that it is managed by IT graduate women police communication officers, ensuring a woman-friendly environment. Additionally, 100 modern emergency panic buttons have been installed in key locations such as universities, markets, and intersections across Lahore, enabling women to contact Safe City authorities instantly. This initiative reflects Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s deep concern for the safety and dignity of women, proving that she is a true advocate of their rights.

Understanding the transportation challenges faced by female students, the Punjab government launched the “Sawari Se Khud Mukhtari” scheme. Under this program, 19,000 petrol bikes and 1,000 electric bikes were allocated for students across Punjab’s colleges and universities. Initially, 20,000 students were selected through an e-balloting process, but due to overwhelming interest, the number was increased to 27,000. The sheer scale of this initiative highlights her dedication to empowering young women and giving them the tools they need to succeed.

A remarkable aspect of this initiative was the enthusiastic participation of female students in applying for electric bikes. Despite an initial quota of only 300 electric bikes for women, over 8,000 female students applied. Recognizing this overwhelming response, the Chief Minister announced that all applicants would receive an electric bike without undergoing a balloting process.

This step is expected to increase women’s independence and confidence in mobility. Her responsiveness to the needs of young women and her ability to make swift, impactful decisions demonstrate her strong leadership and empathy.

The Punjab government is also prioritizing the financial independence of rural women. In a bold move, Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced a livestock project aimed at supporting widows and divorced women in 12 districts of South Punjab, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Multan. Under this initiative, cows and buffaloes will be provided to eligible women, enabling them to contribute to the growing demand for milk and meat while ensuring financial stability for their families. Her vision for economic empowerment is not just limited to urban areas but extends to the heart of rural Punjab, bringing prosperity and hope to thousands of families. To further facilitate women’s access to education, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Chief Minister Transport Programme for Women. In the first phase, 76 buses are being provided to women’s colleges across Punjab, with 19 buses already distributed. The initiative also includes a proposal to introduce air-conditioned vehicles for women’s colleges, ensuring comfort and accessibility. Her efforts to remove barriers for female students reflect her deep understanding of the challenges they face and her commitment to resolving them.

Recognizing the struggles of working mothers, the Chief Minister has allocated a historic amount of 1 billion rupees for the establishment of daycare centers in public sector workplaces. This is the largest funding ever provided for daycare centers since the Women Development Department started these facilities in 2014. This initiative aims to support working mothers by ensuring that they have reliable childcare facilities, ultimately boosting female economic participation. Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s government is taking substantial steps toward creating an inclusive and progressive society for women in Punjab. From ensuring safety and security through virtual police stations to providing mobility solutions, financial empowerment programs, and transport facilities, these initiatives reflect a strong commitment to women’s independence and development. Her leadership and unwavering dedication are transforming Punjab into a model province for women’s empowerment, setting an inspiring example for the entire nation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025