{
  "id": 11560357,
  "title": "Continuity of policy vital for development: CM",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/continuity-of-policy-vital-for-development-cm",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T00:20:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40442406/continuity-of-policy-vital-for-development-cm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the importance of maintaining policy continuity for sustainable development, stating that governments performing well should be allowed to complete their five-year terms. She highlighted Pakistan's improved international image and the army's role in defense during its recent war with India. She stressed that all citizens are Pakistanis, regardless of their province, and stressed the need for consistent national policies. Punjab's governance improved due to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's long-term governance, according to her. She claimed that terrorism had been controlled in Punjab, yet acknowledged it was not gone and that the government was prepared for potential attacks. She stated that there were no \"no-go areas\" in the province, unlike the past, when there were around 70. To strengthen security, she highlighted the establishment of fortified check posts, weapons provision, night-vision cameras, and round-the-clock surveillance. She also mentioned the Safe City Authority operating in 40 districts and virtual police stations for women. The 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar' housing programme, now among the five best globally, has resulted in 130,000 completed houses and another 100,000 under construction. She claimed Punjab had created a socio-economic registry and developed a 'Punjab One Map' system. Public transport in Punjab now includes electric buses with fixed fares, and over 40,000 kilometers of roads have been built or repaired. She also mentioned free medicines for heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes through the 'Maryam Ki Dastak' initiative. Punjab has planted 50 million trees, monitored industrial chimneys with live cameras and AI, and provided interest-free loans to farmers. Emergency facilities and cardiac catheterisation laboratories are being established in every district. Despite criticism, she prioritized public safety, stating she had to choose between protecting herself or the people and did not seek personal credit.",
  "summary": "LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said governments that perform well should be allowed to complete their five-year terms, arguing that the lack of policy continuity in Pakistan remains a major hurdle to development. Addressing a delegation of the National Command Authority Senior Officers Leadership Course here on Thursday, she said Pakistan’s “excellent image and new face”…",
  "key_points": [
    "Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stresses policy continuity for sustainable development.",
    "Punjab's governance improved under Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's long-term rule.",
    "She highlights 130,000 completed houses and 100,000 under construction in Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Chief Minister's emphasis on policy continuity signals a shift towards prioritizing stability and long-term governance over frequent changes, likely benefiting the incumbent party and potentially paving the way for sustained development.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}