Naveed Ahmad Khan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was greeted with enthusiasm in Attock, where large crowds of residents, party workers and children turned out to welcome her. From the moment her convoy entered the city, flower petals were showered along roads, streets and intersections, and her vehicle was blanketed in rose petals on Hattian Road, Kamra Road and University Road.
The reception, by all accounts, reflected the warmth with which many in the district received the visit of their provincial leader, and it set the tone for a day devoted to public service and development.
A Chief Minister Among the People
In a gesture that drew attention, the Chief Minister had the security cordon removed and invited people, particularly children, to come closer and meet her. Children gathered around her, and she was accompanied by them during the formal inauguration of the projects. The scene underlined an effort to present governance as accessible and rooted among ordinary citizens, rather than distant and guarded.
Such moments, though symbolic, matter in a political culture where leaders are often seen only behind barriers and protocol. By choosing to mingle with the crowd, Maryam Nawaz projected an image of approachability, one that her supporters say reflects her style of engagement across Punjab.
59 Road Projects Worth Rs23 Billion
The centrepiece of the visit was the inauguration of 59 road projects worth Rs23 billion across Attock district. Among them are the Fateh Jang–Pindi Gheb Road, the Dhok Lahm Jhamat Road and the Mithial Chowk–Dhok Pathan Road, along with several other roads.
Road infrastructure is a lifeline for a district like Attock, which comprises a mix of urban centres and far-flung rural settlements. Better roads shorten travel times, ease access to hospitals, schools and markets, and lower transport costs for farmers bringing produce to town. For residents who have long complained of damaged and neglected routes, the completion of these projects promises tangible, everyday relief.
127 Projects Inaugurated
Beyond roads, the Chief Minister inaugurated 127 projects in total, spanning several sectors. Among the highlights were:
- Agri Mall: A facility intended to support the agricultural sector, which remains central to the local economy.
- Land Record Centre: A service point aimed at making land record services more efficient and accessible to citizens.
- Model Children’s Home: A facility for the care and welfare of children in need.
- Fateh Jang Special Education Centre: An institution to serve children with special needs in the area.
Together, these projects span agriculture, public administration, child welfare and special education, indicating an effort to combine physical infrastructure with social services.
Significance for Attock
For Attock, the visit carries both practical and political weight. On the practical side, a large package of completed projects brings improvements that residents will use daily. Roads connect communities, a land record centre can reduce the hassles of dealing with property documents, and an agri mall can help farmers reach better markets. The special education centre and children’s home address segments of society that often receive less attention.
Politically, the visit and the scale of the welcome signal the importance the provincial government attaches to the district, and the public enthusiasm shown on the streets will be read by supporters as an endorsement of its development agenda.
As with any large package of projects, the real test will lie in quality, maintenance and sustained service delivery. Residents will look to see that the new roads last, that the facilities function as intended and that the benefits reach all parts of the district, including its remote areas.
For now, though, Attock marked the occasion with flowers, crowds and celebration, as the Chief Minister opened the door to a new chapter of development in the district.
The writer is experienced journalist with more than 30 years of experience, specializing in diplomatic and commerce beats.
