Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Launches Historic Initiatives for Special Children

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has officially launched the “CM Meal Program” and the “Himmat Card” to support the welfare of special children. Speaking at the ceremony, she emphasized that children with special needs are the responsibility of the state, and the Punjab government will ensure their education, health, and nutrition.

**Key Announcements and Initiatives:**

* **CM Meal Program:** Over 45,000 children studying in 303 special education institutions across the province will receive daily nutritious milk and biscuits, a move expected to increase school enrollment.

* **Himmat Card:** Aimed at 65,000–70,000 special individuals, the card will provide monthly stipends directly to eligible families, reducing their financial burden.

* **Autism School:** Pakistan’s first government-run “School for Autism” in Lahore is nearing completion, offering free education and treatment to children.

* **Special Transport:** More than 60 specially equipped Green Buses, fitted with ramps and CCTV cameras, will be provided for the safe and convenient transportation of children with special needs.

* **Medical Screening and Surgeries:** For the first time, 40,000 special children were screened, and 30,000 received free treatment and surgeries, including cochlear implants, eye operations, and other complex procedures.

**Personal Touch and Emotional Remarks:** Maryam Nawaz became emotional during her speech, mentioning her nephew Ibrahim, a special child, and praised mothers of special children, calling them “superheroes.”

**Political Criticism:** Addressing political opponents, she criticized protests, sit-ins, and disruptive activities, stressing that the Chief Minister’s office is a serious responsibility, not a source of leisure or power. She praised the performance of the Special Education Department and PITB, calling it a “new Punjab” where the state fulfills its role like a mother.