Punjab CM Maryam inaugurates school nutrition program in Dera Ghazi Khan

Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz formally launched the School Nutrition Program during a ceremony in Dera Ghazi Khan on Thursday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Speaking at the event, she emphasized her commitment to the welfare of children across the province, stating, "No matter how far Dera Ghazi Khan is from Lahore, I am not distant from you. I think of all these children as a mother would; these children are VIPs to me."

Maryam Nawaz expressed her surprise that the children of Dera Ghazi Khan were already familiar with her, saying, "I thought the children here wouldn't know me, but they all do. The love I received from the children today is indescribable." She announced that the School Nutrition Program is being launched from Dera Ghazi Khan, providing free milk to students up to the fifth grade.

The Chief Minister highlighted the challenges facing the province, noting, "I have thousands of schools under my administration in Punjab, with millions of children enrolled. Pakistan is not a wealthy country, and resources are limited, but better times are coming. I will do everything I can to meet the nutritional needs of the children."

"This is an expensive program, but nothing is more valuable than our children," she stated.

Maryam Nawaz pointed out that the program was not launched from major cities like Lahore or Rawalpindi but from DG Khan, underscoring her commitment to practical work and grassroots development.

"I want to work practically, and your Chief Minister is like a mother to you," she expressed.

She further urged all provincial chief ministers to implement similar programs in their respective provinces, emphasizing the importance of investing in children's nutrition and education.