Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said her government is pursuing sustained, practical measures to eradicate poverty, arguing that disadvantaged communities are being empowered through concrete economic policies and welfare initiatives rather than slogans.
In a special message marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the chief minister said underprivileged residents were being supported through a range of government schemes, including Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar, the Parwaaz Card, laptop distribution and the Honhaar Scholarship Programme.
Housing and Education at the Core
The chief minister pointed to the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar housing initiative and the Honhaar Scholarship Programme as central pillars of the strategy, linking shelter and education to long-term poverty reduction. Laptop distribution under the same framework is aimed at equipping young people with the digital tools needed for modern employment.
Financial Empowerment for Rural Women
Maryam Nawaz said women in rural areas were being empowered financially through skills-development programmes and interest-free loans. She added that under the Dhee Rani Programme, the provincial government covers all wedding expenses for beneficiaries, easing a heavy financial burden on low-income families.
Land Leases for the Landless
According to the chief minister, thousands of acres of government land have been leased to poor and landless rural residents for 10 years under the Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar scheme. The initiative is intended to reduce rural poverty, raise agricultural production and address unemployment in the countryside.
Easy Credit for Small Businesses
She further said young people, women and skilled workers were being offered loans on easy terms and at lower markup rates to help them establish their own businesses, part of a broader push to convert welfare support into self-sustaining livelihoods.
- Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar: housing support for low-income families
- Parwaaz Card: welfare and financial assistance for deserving households
- Honhaar Scholarship Programme and laptop distribution: education and digital access for youth
- Interest-free loans and skills training: financial empowerment for rural women
- Dhee Rani Programme: wedding expenses covered for beneficiaries
- Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar: 10-year land leases for poor, landless rural residents
- Low-markup business loans: easy credit for youth, women and skilled workers
The provincial government framed the measures as a shift from short-term relief toward durable economic inclusion, with housing, education, land access and credit presented as interlocking routes out of poverty.
