Qudrat Ullah
On Feb 26, 2024, Maryam Nawaz Sharif took oath as Chief Minister of Punjab, becoming the first woman to head a provincial government in Pakistan. Two years on, the province presents a picture of steady administrative change shaped by a focus on delivery, reform and public service.
This period has not been without challenges, yet the government’s approach has reflected a clear shift from routine administration toward performance-based governance. A development outlay exceeding Rs 1,000 billion has been directed toward social sectors and infrastructure. What sets this period apart is the parallel use of digital monitoring systems that track spending and project implementation in real time. The aim has been simple: ensure that public funds translate into visible improvements on the ground while strengthening accountability.
The most visible impact is evident in healthcare. With more than Rs 200 billion allocated, the sector has witnessed improvements in facilities at district and tehsil headquarters hospitals. Diagnostic services have expanded, while basic health units and rural health centres have undergone upgrades. A phased reform plan has introduced mobile healthcare units to reach underserved populations in villages and peri-urban areas. The expansion of the health card programme has eased financial pressure on families by widening access to treatment. Emergency services have also improved, with ambulance coverage extended to motorway interchanges and greater attention paid to maternal and child health.
Education has moved alongside healthcare as a priority area. Over 30,000 public schools have undergone rehabilitation to address gaps in infrastructure, sanitation, and electricity. Recruitment on merit and teacher training programmes have injected new energy into the system. A comprehensive school census, supported by data from NADRA, has helped verify enrolment and improve planning at the district level.
The government has also introduced skill-based programmes for students after middle school, linking education with employability. The establishment of Schools of Eminence under public-private partnerships has transformed selected institutions into modern learning facilities. Smart classrooms and IT labs are being introduced gradually, marking a step toward digital learning. Scholarships, particularly for girls, aim to reduce barriers to education and improve retention rates.
Women’s empowerment has emerged as a key theme. Interest-free loans and skill development initiatives have enabled many women to start small businesses and contribute to household incomes. Protection centres and legal aid services have been strengthened to provide support and security. These measures reflect a broader understanding that economic participation by women is essential for sustainable growth.
Infrastructure development has remained a central pillar of the government’s agenda. More than Rs 400 billion has been allocated for roads and connectivity. Thousands of kilometres of roads have been constructed or rehabilitated under various programmes, including large-scale restoration of damaged road networks. Farm-to-market roads have improved access for rural communities, supporting agriculture and local trade.
Major road corridors developed in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank are connecting key regions such as Sahiwal, Layyah, Vehari, and Jhang. These projects are expected to facilitate trade, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic activity. At the same time, efforts to modernise the police force through training, technology, and data-driven systems have aimed to improve law enforcement and public safety.
Environmental concerns have also received attention. The Climate Resilient Punjab Vision outlines a series of initiatives to tackle pollution and promote sustainability. Farmers have been provided with subsidised machinery, such as super seeders, to discourage crop burning. Anti-smog measures, including the use of specialised equipment, have been deployed in urban areas.
The Lahore Air Improvement Framework has introduced modern monitoring systems to identify pollution sources in real time. Air and water quality monitoring stations are being installed across the province, laying the foundation for a more informed environmental policy. Steps toward reducing plastic use and promoting cleaner transport options are also part of the broader strategy.
Digital governance has played a significant role in reshaping the relationship between citizens and the state. More than 50 public services have been digitised, making them accessible online. The e-Biz portal offers a growing number of services across departments, reducing the need for physical visits and paperwork. Complaint management systems and biometric verification in welfare programmes have helped improve transparency and reduce leakages.
These reforms have been implemented in a difficult economic environment marked by fiscal constraints and rising costs. Despite these challenges, the government has attempted to balance development spending with relief measures, including efforts to stabilise prices of essential commodities and support small businesses.
The past two years have therefore been about more than infrastructure projects or budget allocations. They reflect an evolving governance model that emphasises efficiency, transparency, and citizen-focused service delivery. While challenges remain, the direction suggests a continued focus on reform and institutional strengthening.
As Punjab moves forward, the progress made during this period offers both a record of achievement and a framework for future policy. The coming years will determine how effectively these foundations are built upon to ensure inclusive growth and long-term stability for the province.(The writer is a Lahore-based public policy analyst and can be reached at [email protected])
