Punjab Govt extends ‘Maryam Ki Dastak’ programme to 32 districts

LAHORE: The Punjab government on Monday extended the ‘Maryam Ki Dastak’ programme to 32 districts of the province.

The decision to extend the programme has been taken on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The 10 new districts that have been included in the programme include Rahim Yar Khan, Vehari, Lodhran, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Rajanpur, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Gujrat and Khushab.

Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Chairman Faisal Yousaf, while chairing a progress review meeting in Lahore, said that the ‘Maryum Ki Dastak’ initiative aims to improve service delivery through trained representatives, which will provide a more efficient and citizen-friendly experience.

He said that the programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing accessible, transparent and technology-based public services.

‘Maryam Ki Dastak’ offers over 65 government services that citizens can now avail directly at their doorsteps, reducing the need to visit government offices while ensuring greater convenience, especially for women, senior citizens and working professionals.

Earlier, Dastak services were available in major districts including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan and Sargodha. Citizens can also avail these services by calling the helpline 1202.

Earlier, on October 28, Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched the ‘Kisan Card Program’ in Hafizabad to provide crucial financial support to small farmers.

Under the scheme, farmers can avail loans of up to Rs 150,000 per crop season to purchase seeds, fertilizers and pesticides using their Kisan Card.

Addressing a launching ceremony in Hafizabad, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that the budget of the initiative has been increased to increase the number of Kisan Cards from 500,000 to 750,000.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that farmers with land holdings of more than 25 acres will get free tractors. The Chief Minister said that she will rent out agricultural equipment to farmers without any profit.