Maryam Nawaz Launches School Nutrition Programme in Punjab

In a significant move to combat malnutrition among children, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched Punjab's first school nutrition programme. This pilot project is set to benefit children in three districts of South Punjab: Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Muzaffargarh. The initiative aims to provide essential nutrition to school-going children, addressing a pressing issue that affects their growth and development.

During her visit to a government primary school in Dera Ghazi Khan, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally distributed milk packs to students, marking the official start of the programme. Under this initiative, over 400,000 students from 3,527 schools will receive a daily supply of 175 millilitres of milk. This effort is crucial, as many children in these areas suffer from malnutrition, which can lead to stunted growth and other health issues.

While interacting with the children, the chief minister took the time to listen to their concerns. One student shared his worries about his father's unemployment, prompting the chief minister to take immediate action by ordering local authorities to assist the family in finding employment. This responsiveness highlights the government's commitment to not only improving nutrition but also addressing broader socio-economic challenges faced by families in the region.

Upon her arrival in Dera Ghazi Khan, the chief minister was greeted with a salute from the Border Military Police, showcasing the importance of her visit. Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat provided her with a briefing on the school nutrition project, emphasizing its significance in the fight against malnutrition.

Maryam Nawaz credited the vision of her father, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, for the recent economic improvements, including bringing inflation down to single digits after seven years. She acknowledged the financial struggles faced by many families and assured them of the government's ongoing efforts to alleviate their hardships.

The chief minister also launched the "Apni Chhat Apna Ghar" (Own Roof, Own House) Programme, which aims to provide housing loans to those in need. During the balloting for this programme in Dera Ghazi Khan, 185 applicants were declared successful. The first installment of loans is expected to be disbursed by September 15. "We want to attain the target to allot houses to 100,000 persons every year. There is no element of favour in the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Programme and everyone will be provided loan on merit," stated the chief minister.

This initiative not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also aims to provide long-term solutions to housing and employment challenges in the region. By focusing on the well-being of children and their families, the government is taking a holistic approach to development. As these programmes unfold, it is essential for the community to engage and support these efforts, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.