Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif opened four development initiatives valued at Rs5.61 billion in Sahiwal on Friday, alongside laying the foundation stone for 10 model agriculture malls throughout the province.
The newly opened ventures consist of the Maryam Nawaz Sports Arena, the upgraded Model Saddar Bazaar, a Model Agriculture Mall and a 27-kilometre dual carriageway connecting Sahiwal to Arifwala. Large crowds of citizens, consisting of women and children, greeted the chief minister with flower petals as she reached the city.
During her tour of the Maryam Nawaz Sports Arena, she checked the amenities, spoke with athletes and gave autographs to children. She additionally batted in a cricket game, started a football match and took pictures with attendees.
The complex features paddle courts, football and cricket grounds, a café and an online reservation platform for citizens. Authorities stated that separate hours are set aside for women during daytime and men at night.
The chief minister additionally opened the upgraded Model Saddar Bazaar. According to officials, underground power and utility cables were laid in the market for the first time. The scheme also features an archway, tiled paths, seating, flower pots and trash cans to upgrade the shopping area.
At the Model Agriculture Mall, she examined farming gear like harvesters, planters and drone sprayers, and talked with growers about the initiative.
Staff explained that the centre will offer tested seeds, chemical fertilisers and crop protection products in one location, together with rental farm machinery.
Growers will also receive training sessions, professional guidance on soil, pest and crop care, testing laboratories, banking services and loan assistance.
The mall houses nine retail units, a machinery exhibition zone and a seminar room.
During the upcoming phase, 10 more model agriculture malls will be built in Jhang, Faisalabad, Renala Khurd, Khanewal, Jampur, Burewala, Sadiqabad, Muridke, Pindi Gheb and Mianwali.
The chief minister also officially opened the 27km Sahiwal-Arifwala dual road. Officials noted that the highway will serve millions of people across three districts, while local lawmakers expressed gratitude for its finalisation.
Throughout her trip, she instructed staff to speed up other road works in Sahiwal. She met citizens standing along the path, hugged an elderly female resident and took a photograph with a young child.
