LAHORE:Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that access to development-related information is the right of the people, adding that an informed public is a sign of progress.
In her message on World Development Information Day, the chief minister highlighted the need to raise public awareness about digital literacy and ensure access to accurate information regarding development initiatives.
She said accurate information about development projects could help eliminate corruption and ensure that the benefits of public welfare schemes reached the people directly. The use of digital technology to provide reliable information could also help achieve sustainable development goals, she added.
CM Maryam Nawaz said public awareness and access to authentic information about development affairs could help build a just society. Accurate data collected through the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry was being used to address poverty and backwardness and support development planning, she added.
The CM said a new phase of development had begun in Punjab, with development initiatives being extended to cities, towns and villages across the province. The construction and repair of more than 45,000 kilometres of roads and the establishment of state-of-the-art Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics were examples of development initiatives, she said.
She said balanced development across the province could help uplift disadvantaged segments of society. The people of Punjab were encouraging the provincial government’s development projects, she added.
Maryam Nawaz said the benefits of low-cost housing schemes such as ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ had received international recognition. She also appreciated the Information Department’s efforts in raising public awareness of development-related issues.
The CM said that access to development information was fundamental to progress and said the provincial government was ensuring that people could access information about development initiatives.