Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that 650 daycare centers will be established across the province by the next fiscal year to support working women and help them balance their professional and family responsibilities.
The initiative is being implemented by the Women Development Department under a special program launched by the chief minister, with Rs1 billion allocated for setting up daycare facilities in hospitals, educational institutions, and government offices throughout Punjab.
Under the first phase of the project, the government set a target of establishing 390 daycare centers. Officials said 350 centers are already operational, while work on the remaining 40 is nearing completion.
Each daycare center will be equipped with educational materials, toys, and LCD screens, while trained caregivers will be appointed to provide childcare services. The Women’s Development Department will initially cover the salaries of caregivers.
The program has also been expanded to Daanish Schools across the province to facilitate female teachers and staff. Authorities are prioritizing the establishment of centers in girls’ colleges and hospitals located in South Punjab and remote districts.
To ensure effective oversight, the government has introduced an online monitoring system to track the performance and operations of daycare facilities.
In Lahore, 70 of the planned 86 daycare centers are already functional in government offices, educational institutions, and hospitals. Similar facilities have also been established at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the bar councils.
Other districts making significant progress include Faisalabad, Bhakkar, Sheikhupura, Layyah, Khanewal, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sialkot, Vehari, Bahawalpur, Multan, Gujranwala, Sargodha, and Rawalpindi.
Maryam Nawaz said the welfare, protection, and empowerment of working women remain key priorities of her government, adding that the daycare initiative will create a more supportive environment for women across Punjab.
