Bryce James Visits Historic College Basketball Program This Week

Several of President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees this week were on the receiving end of bomb threats and a form of criminal harassment called "swatting," his camp said. According to a statement from Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, the bomb and swatting threats were made on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. “Law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted,” Leavitt said. “President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action. An FBI official told USA TODAY the agency is aware of the incidents and is actively investigating. "We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement," the official said. Among the nominees saying they were targeted were New York Rep. Elise Stafanik, Trump's pick to be the next ambassador of the United Nations; Matt Gaetz, Trump's initial attorney general selection; former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, who was tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. But what is swatting? Here's what to know. What is swatting? The FBI describes “swatting” as a prank designed to draw an emergency law enforcement response to a hoax victim, often creating a situation where a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team arrives ready for a possible violent encounter. “The individuals who engage in this activity use technology to make it appear that the emergency call is coming from the victim’s phone,” said one FBI public announcement in 2013, titled, “ The Crime of 'Swatting': Fake 9-1-1 Calls Have Real Consequences — FBI . "Sometimes swatting is done for revenge, sometimes as a prank. Either way, it is a serious crime, and one that has potentially dangerous consequences.” The FBI first warned about the phone hacking phenomenon in 2008 and has arrested hundreds of people over the years on federal charges stemming from swatting incidents. It says most are handled by local and state law enforcement agencies, but that the FBI often provides resources and guidance in these investigations. “The FBI looks at these crimes as a public safety issue,” Kevin Kolbye, an assistant special agent in charge of its Dallas Division, said in the 2013 public warning. “It’s only a matter of time before somebody gets seriously injured as a result of one of these incidents.” Swatting incidents increased as 2024 presidential election approached Federal cybersecurity officials warned of a significant increase in swatting incidents in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election and said numerous incidents had targeted election workers and polling places to disrupt the electoral process. In May 2024, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a joint warning about the threat to elections, noting “multiple swatting incidents specifically targeting election workers” in late 2023 and early 2024. The frequency of the attacks increased dramatically in the weeks before the election and on election day, federal officials said in briefings and public postings. “Both foreign and domestic actors use swatting as a method to harass or intimidate individuals and businesses, including U.S. government officials, faith-based institutions, schools, journalists, company executives, and celebrities,” the agencies said in the May 2024 warning, which provided detailed guidance on how election workers and law enforcement agencies could prevent and respond to swatting incidents. “They may also seek to disrupt critical infrastructure operations, induce fear or chaos, divert law enforcement from other crimes or emergencies, or simply gain attention or notoriety,” the joint warning said. Contributing: Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY

Bloomberg reports that Uber has started farming out independent contractors for data-labeling services as well as coders-for-hire. Uber describes its new Scaled Solutions division as a platform of “analysts, testers and independent data operators,” according to the company’s website . Scaled Solutions began life as an internal team, handling “large-scale annotation tasks” for Uber’s other services. Now it’s been expanded to provide coders and data labelers for outside companies like Pokémon Go developer Niantic Inc. and the self-driving trucking software firm Aurora Innovations. Aurora acquired Uber’s self-driving Advanced Technologies Group (ATG) unit in 2020 and Uber is one of Aurora’s investors. Uber started recruiting workers this month for its Scaled Solutions division from India, the US, Canada, Poland and Nicaragua. Scaled Solutions also posted some corporate openings for positions in San Francisco, New York and Chicago. According to an onboarding FAQ reviewed by Bloomberg , contractor pay is distributed monthly and totals are based on the tasks that contractors complete. The company did not reveal any specific rates to Bloomberg for its new crop of freelance employees.White House pressing Ukraine to draft 18-year-old men to help fill manpower needs to battle Russia

Stock market today: Wall Street rises toward records despite tariff talkSHENZHEN, China , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the "Company" or "we"), a leading online personal finance company in China , today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 . Third Quarter 2024 Operational Highlights Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 QoQ YoY Total loan amount facilitated and originated (RMB in million) 29,462 22,749 28,338 24.6 % (3.8 %) Number of active borrowers 1,809,815 1,642,605 1,965,248 19.6 % 8.6 % As of September 30, 2023 As of June 30, 2024 As of September 30, 2024 Total outstanding loan balance (RMB in million) 49,685 41,804 45,766 Delinquency rates for all outstanding loans that are past due for 31-60 days 1.11 % 1.29 % 1.02 % Delinquency rates for all outstanding loans that are past due for 91-180 days 2.50 % 4.38 % 3.22 % [1] Represents the total amount of loans that the Company facilitated and originated during the relevant period. [2] Represents borrowers who made at least one transaction on the Company's platform during the relevant period. [3] Represents the total amount of loans outstanding for loans that the Company facilitated and originated at the end of the relevant period. Loans that are delinquent for more than 60 days are excluded in the outstanding loan balance, except for Xiaoying Housing Loans. As Xiaoying Housing Loans is a secured loan product and the Company is entitled to payment by exercising its rights to the collateral, the Company does not exclude Xiaoying Housing Loans delinquent for more than 60 days in the outstanding loan balance. [4] Represents the balance of the outstanding principal and accrued outstanding interest for Xiaoying Credit Loans that were 31 to 60 days past due as a percentage of the total balance of outstanding principal and accrued outstanding interest for Xiaoying Credit Loans that the Company facilitated and originated as of a specific date. Xiaoying Credit Loans that are delinquent for more than 60 days are excluded when calculating the denominator. Starting from the first quarter of 2021, substantially all of the loans facilitated and originated by the Company have been Xiaoying Credit Loans. [5] To make the delinquency rate by balance comparable to the peers, the Company also defines the delinquency rate as the balance of the outstanding principal and accrued outstanding interest for Xiaoying Credit Loans that were 91 to 180 days past due as a percentage of the total balance of outstanding principal and accrued outstanding interest for the Xiaoying Credit Loans that the Company facilitated and originated as of a specific date. Xiaoying Credit Loans that are delinquent for more than 180 days are excluded when calculating the denominator. Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights (In thousands, except for share and per share data) Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 QoQ YoY RMB RMB RMB Total net revenue 1,396,864 1,372,588 1,582,497 15.3 % 13.3 % Total operating costs and expenses (961,852) (909,535) (1,073,533) 18.0 % 11.6 % Income from operations 435,012 463,053 508,964 9.9 % 17.0 % Net income 347,190 415,303 375,840 (9.5 %) 8.3 % Non-GAAP adjusted net income 374,507 374,661 433,625 15.7 % 15.8 % Net income per ADS—basic 7.26 8.46 7.86 (7.1 %) 8.3 % Net income per ADS—diluted 7.02 8.28 7.74 (6.5 %) 10.3 % Non-GAAP adjusted net income per ADS—basic 7.80 7.62 9.12 19.7 % 16.9 % Non-GAAP adjusted net income per ADS—diluted 7.56 7.50 8.88 18.4 % 17.5 % [6] The Company uses in this press release the following non-GAAP financial measures: (i) adjusted net income (loss), (ii) adjusted net income (loss) per basic ADS, (iii) adjusted net income (loss) per diluted ADS, (iv) adjusted net income per basic share, and (v) adjusted net income per diluted share, each of which excludes share-based compensation expense, impairment losses on financial investments, income (loss) from financial investments and impairment losses on long-term investments. For more information on non-GAAP financial measure, please see the section of "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Statement" and the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release. [7] Each American depositary share ("ADS") represents six Class A ordinary shares. Mr. Kent Li , President of the Company, commented, "We are pleased to report another strong quarter, with loan volumes exceeding our forecast and a significant sequential improvement in asset quality. In the third quarter, we continued to promptly adjust loan volumes based on risk levels. As asset quality improved, we further intensified our borrower acquisition efforts, which have yielded very positive results. Both the top and bottom lines continued to grow year-over-year. Non-GAAP adjusted net income reached a new record high." "Specifically on the operational front, our total loan amount facilitated and originated was down 4% year-on-year but up 25% sequentially to RMB28 billion , above the high end of our guidance. Delinquency rates for all outstanding loans past due for 31-60 days and 91-180 days were 1.02% and 3.22%, respectively, at the end of the quarter, compared to 1.29% and 4.38% a quarter ago and 1.11% and 2.50% a year ago. We are pleased with these improvements in asset quality and will continue to optimize our risk management system through advanced technology." "In September this year, the Chinese government unveiled a comprehensive stimulus package aimed at improving liquidity, boosting the property market, stabilizing financial markets and stimulating consumption. We expect this will provide a meaningful boost to the macroeconomic recovery. As an integral part of the economy, the personal finance market we serve should benefit from this upturn. We have already observed positive signs in the market and are committed to adjusting loan volumes in line with risk levels. As a result of this favorable environment, we are raising our guidance and expect our monthly loan volume to exceed RMB10 billion in the fourth quarter, setting a new record." Mr. Frank Fuya Zheng , Chief Financial Officer of the Company, added, "I'm pleased to report that our strategy of balancing business growth and profitability continued to pay off. Total net revenue was RMB1.6 billion , up 13% year-on-year and 15% sequentially, while non-GAAP adjusted net income reached a record high of RMB434 million , up 16% year-on-year and sequentially. As we continue to deliver strong profitability and execute on our proven strategy, we have full confidence in our future. We will continue to execute our semi-annual dividend policy and explore opportunities under our share repurchase program to return more value to our shareholders over the long term." Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results Total net revenue in the third quarter of 2024 increased by 13.3% to RMB1,582 .5 million ( US$225 .5 million) from RMB1,396.9 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to growth in various disaggregated revenue items compared with the same period of 2023. Please refer to analysis of disaggregation of revenue below. Three Months Ended September 30, (In thousands, except for share and per share data) 2023 2024 YoY RMB % of Revenue RMB % of Revenue Loan facilitation service 829,385 59.4 % 878,282 55.5 % 5.9 % Post-origination service 168,186 12.0 % 186,109 11.8 % 10.7 % Financing income 300,950 21.5 % 335,765 21.2 % 11.6 % Guarantee income 7,920 0.6 % 53,576 3.4 % 576.5 % Other revenue 90,423 6.5 % 128,765 8.1 % 42.4 % Total net revenue 1,396,864 100.0 % 1,582,497 100.0 % 13.3 % Loan facilitation service fees in the third quarter of 2024 increased by 5.9% to RMB878 .3 million ( US$125 .2 million) from RMB829 .4 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to a decrease in the expected prepayment rates this quarter compared with the same period of 2023. Post-origination service fees in the third quarter of 2024 increased by 10.7% to RMB186 .1 million ( US$26 .5 million) from RMB168 .2 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to the cumulative effect of increased volume of loans facilitated in the previous quarters. Revenues from post-origination services are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying loans as the services are being provided. Financing income in the third quarter of 2024 increased by 11.6% to RMB335 .8 million ( US$47 .8 million) from RMB301 .0 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to an increase in average loan receivables held by the Company compared with the same period of 2023. Guarantee income in the third quarter of 2024 was RMB53.6 million ( US$7.6 million ), compared with RMB7.9 million in the same period of 2023, due to the cumulative effect of increased volume of loans facilitated covered by guarantee service in the previous quarters compared with the same period of 2023. Revenues from guarantee service are recognized systematically when the Company released from the underlying risk. Other revenue in the third quarter of 2024 increased by 42.4% to RMB128.8 million ( US$18.3 million ), compared with RMB90.4 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to an increase in referral service fee for introducing borrowers to other platforms. Origination and servicing expenses in the third quarter of 2024 increased by 13.6% to RMB457 .5 million ( US$65 .2 million) from RMB402 .9 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to the increase in collection expenses resulting from the cumulative effect of increased volume of loans facilitated and originated in the previous quarters compared with the same period of 2023. Borrower acquisitions and marketing expenses in the third quarter of 2024 increased by 20.7% to RMB506 .8 million ( US$72 .2 million) from RMB419 .9 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to intensified efforts in borrower acquisitions compared with the same period of 2023. Reversal of provision for loans receivable in the third quarter of 2024 was RMB35 thousand ( US$5 thousand ), compared with provision for loans receivable of RMB53.9 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to a decrease in the average estimated default rate compared with the same period of 2023, and partially offset by an increase in loans receivable held by the Company as a result of the cumulative effect of increased volume of loans facilitated and originated in the previous quarters compared with the same period of 2023. Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities in the third quarter of 2024 was RMB56.4 million ( US$8.0 million ), compared with RMB41.6 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to an increase in guarantee liabilities held by the Company as a result of the increased volume of loans facilitated covered by the guarantee service this quarter compared with the same period of 2023. Income from operations in the third quarter of 2024 was RMB509 .0 million ( US$72 .5 million), compared with RMB435 .0 million in the same period of 2023. Income before income taxes and gain from equity in affiliates in the third quarter of 2024 was RMB473 .5 million ( US$67 .5 million), compared with RMB417 .5 million in the same period of 2023. Income tax expense in the third quarter of 2024 was RMB100.3 million ( US$14.3 million ), compared with RMB74.2 million in the same period of 2023. Net income in the third quarter of 2024 was RMB375 .8 million ( US$53 .6 million), compared with RMB347 .2 million in the same period of 2023. Non-GAAP adjusted net income in the third quarter of 2024 was RMB433.6 million ( US$61.8 million ), compared with RMB374.5 million in the same period of 2023. Net income per basic and diluted ADS in the third quarter of 2024 was RMB7 .86 (US$1.12), and RMB7 .74 (US$1.10), compared with RMB7 .26 and RMB7.02 , respectively, in the same period of 2023. Non-GAAP adjusted net income per basic and diluted ADS in the third quarter of 2024 was RMB9 .12 (US$1.30), and RMB8 .88 (US$1.27), compared with RMB7 .80 and RMB7 .56 respectively, in the same period of 2023. Cash and cash equivalents was RMB1,044 .1 million ( US$148 .8 million) as of September 30, 2024 , compared with RMB1,612.2 million as of June 30, 2024 . Recent Development Share Repurchase Plans On September 4, 2024 , the Company further extended the period of the US$30 million share repurchase program until March 31, 2026 . In the third quarter of 2024, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 1,689,722 Class A ordinary shares with 10,038 Class A ordinary shares represented by ADSs for a total consideration of approximately US$1.3 million . The Company has approximately US$4.1 million remaining for potential repurchases under its US$30 million share repurchase plan. As previously disclosed, on May 30, 2024 , the Company announced that its board of directors authorized a new US$20 million share repurchase plan, effective through November 30, 2025 . The Company completed a tender offer in July 2024 under the new share repurchase program, with a total repurchase amount of approximately US$9.2 million . The Company has approximately US$10.8 million remaining under its US$20 million plan. Business Outlook The Company expects the total loan amount facilitated and originated for the fourth quarter of 2024 to be between RMB30.0 billion and RMB31.0 billion . The total loan amount facilitated and originated for 2024 is expected to be between RMB102.6 billion and RMB103.6 billion . This forecast reflects the Company's current and preliminary views, which are subject to changes. Conference Call X Financial's management team will host an earnings conference call at 7:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on November 27, 2024 ( 8:00 PM Beijing / Hong Kong Time on November 27, 2024 ). Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows: United States: 1-888-346-8982 Hong Kong: 852-301-84992 Mainland China: 4001-201203 International: 1-412-902-4272 Passcode: X Financial Please dial in ten minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call. A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until December 4, 2024 : United States: 1-877-344-7529 International: 1-412-317-0088 Passcode: 3088426 Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at http://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com . About X Financial X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the "Company") is a leading online personal finance company in China . The Company is committed to connecting borrowers on its platform with its institutional funding partners. With its proprietary big data-driven technology, the Company has established strategic partnerships with financial institutions across multiple areas of its business operations, enabling it to facilitate and originate loans to prime borrowers under a risk assessment and control system. For more information, please visit: http://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com . Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Statement In evaluating our business, we consider and use non-GAAP measures as supplemental measures to review and assess our operating performance. We present the non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by our management to evaluate our operating performance and formulate business plans. We believe that the use of the non-GAAP financial measures facilitates investors' assessment of our operating performance and help investors to identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain income or expenses that we include in income (loss) from operations and net income (loss). We also believe that the non-GAAP measures provide useful information about our core operating results, enhance the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making. We use in this press release the following non-GAAP financial measures: (i) adjusted net income (loss), (ii) adjusted net income (loss) per basic ADS, (iii) adjusted net income (loss) per diluted ADS, (iv) adjusted net income per basic share, and (v) adjusted net income per diluted share, each of which excludes share-based compensation expense, impairment losses on financial investments, income (loss) from financial investments and impairment losses on long-term investments. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and when assessing our operating performance, investors should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We mitigate these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, which should be considered when evaluating our performance. We encourage you to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP results" set forth at the end of this press release. Exchange Rate Information This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB 7.0176 to US$1.00 , the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of September 30, 2024 . Disclaimer Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," "targets," "guidance" and similar statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but not limited to the followings: the Company's goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the credit industry, and marketplace lending in particular, in China ; the demand for and market acceptance of its marketplace's products and services; its ability to attract and retain borrowers and investors on its marketplace; its relationships with its strategic cooperation partners; competition in its industry; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to the corporate structure, business and industry. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement is current as of the date of this announcement, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law. Use of Projections This announcement also contains certain financial forecasts (or guidance) with respect to the Company's projected financial results. The Company's independent auditors have not audited, reviewed, compiled or performed any procedures with respect to the projections or guidance for the purpose of their inclusion in this announcement, and accordingly, they did not express an opinion or provide any other form assurance with respect thereto for the purpose of this announcement. This guidance should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of future results. The assumptions and estimates underlying the prospective financial information are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could actual results to differ materially from those contained in the prospective financial information. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the prospective results are indicative of the future performance of the Company, or that actual results will not differ materially from those set forth in the prospective financial information. Inclusion of the prospective financial information in this announcement should not be regarded as a representation by any person that the results contained in the prospective financial information will actually be achieved. You should review this information together with the Company's historical information. For more information, please contact: X Financial Mr. Frank Fuya Zheng E-mail: ir@xiaoying.com Christensen IR In China Mr. Rene Vanguestaine Phone: +86-178-1749 0483 E-mail: rene.vanguestaine@christensencomms.com In US Ms. Linda Bergkamp Phone: +1-480-614-3004 Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com X Financial Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except for share and per share data) As of December 31, 2023 As of September 30, 2024 As of September 30, 2024 RMB RMB USD ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 1,195,352 1,044,144 148,789 Restricted cash, net 749,070 489,372 69,735 Accounts receivable and contract assets, net 1,659,588 1,709,428 243,592 Loans receivable from Credit Loans and other loans, net 4,947,833 4,938,195 703,687 Deposits to institutional cooperators, net 1,702,472 1,739,539 247,882 Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net 48,767 40,824 5,817 Deferred tax assets, net 135,958 192,644 27,452 Long term investments 493,411 491,782 70,078 Property and equipment, net 8,642 11,566 1,648 Intangible assets, net 36,810 36,236 5,164 Loan receivable from Housing Loans, net 8,657 6,494 925 Financial investments 608,198 866,804 123,519 Other non-current assets 55,265 53,259 7,589 TOTAL ASSETS 11,650,023 11,620,287 1,655,877 LIABILITIES Payable to investors and institutional funding partners at amortized cost 3,584,041 2,406,552 342,931 Guarantee liabilities 61,907 102,638 14,626 Deferred guarantee income 46,597 106,054 15,113 Short-term borrowings 565,000 433,500 61,773 Accrued payroll and welfare 86,771 93,047 13,259 Other tax payable

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that the overall situation in Punjab is better than other provinces. “No recommendation in any sort of appointment has been made in Punjab. I do not pay heed to anyone on the issue of merit. Every sector is in a state of decline due to lack of accountability,” the CM during a meeting with the participants of the 26th National Security Workshop of the National Defence University. The participants of the National Security Workshop gave the title of “Super CM” to CM Punjab. The CM gave a two-hour briefing on the government’s performance and the participants applauded enthusiastically. The head of the National Security Workshop delegation said “it is a blessing to come to Punjab, where sincerity and effort for the people is clearly visible. By coming to Punjab, we have come from darkness to light.” The Chief Minister while speaking on the occasion said, “The journey of development and prosperity gets affected due to political instability. Unfortunately, the governments are not allowed to function properly. Every work that has a positive impact on the lives of 150 million people is my priority. We want to control smog as soon as possible. Positive effects of government’s measures are coming to light. People lose their lives due to lack of health and treatment facilities. We are all Pakistanis irrespective of our political affiliations. Our aim is to promote patriotism. Inflation is low and foreign exchange reserves are increasing in Pakistan. The stock market has broken all records; IT exports are increasing. With increasing exports, dependence on foreign aid decreases, we will be able to live our lives with pride and dignity.” She said, “Controlling inflation is an uphill task, bringing it down from 38-percent to 7-percent is a mega achievement. We want to serve the people by increasing financial resources. People from all over Pakistan come to Punjab for a better future, employment, jobs and treatment. Mismanagement of resources after 77 years is regrettable. Infrastructure is very important for development. The example of Dubai is in front of us. Low literacy rate in South Asia is shameful. Those embracing martyrdom in other provinces are also Pakistanis. Threats of terrorism prevail, maintaining law and order is our foremost priority.” The CM added, “Rs 45 billion were saved in the road rehabilitation programme through e-tendering and transparency. Rs 800 billion have been saved by not purchasing wheat. The Punjab government will not provide support price but farmers will be given subsidies on agricultural inputs and equipment on Kisan cards. Patients get affected due to the behaviour of doctors and staff in hospitals. After the Sahiwal incident, fire extinguishers were made functional in all hospitals. It is not children of the rich who die by falling into sewers, but children of the poor.” She said, “Change cannot come overnight. Capacity building has not been done as a nation. We need to find a solution to extremism problem. There is a special focus on the protection of minorities. Regardless of religion and sect, protection of every individual is our responsibility. It is highly regrettable to appreciate a child abuser on his release. We apprehend thieves and robbers, but they escape from the courts. No matter how much we spend on health and agriculture, it seems less. Punjab is the only province which gives a surplus budget.” The CM Punjab said, “Air ambulance service was launched to transport patients to big hospitals during golden hour. I decide to initiate a project by talking directly to the common people. Everything looks good while sitting in the office, but the ground realities are different. No patient will be denied admission in the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital worth Rs 16 billion. A special ward will be built for incurable cancer patients. Pakistan’s first Artificial Intelligence University will be built in the Nawaz Sharif IT City. A safe city will be built across Punjab and pink buttons will be installed everywhere.” She added, “Five thousand people have applied for the ‘Punjab Dhee Rani programme’ for mass marriages. Punjab is the first province to implement the ‘Sikh Marriage Act’. I feel pleased to see girls travelling on e-bikes comfortably. Corruption is my red line. The government has sent insulin sellers to jail on selling insulin from public sector worth Rs 250 million. Every child who comes on merit will get a Honhaar scholarship. The Punjab government has started pink bus service to facilitate transportation of female students to schools and colleges. Pakistan’s first government autism school will be built in Lahore.” She said, “Roads are being repaired under Punjab Khushal scheme. 907,172 kilometres of roads are being constructed and expanded. We will make wasteland useful through shrimp farming so as to earn foreign exchange. 27 electric buses will arrive in December. Police and deputy commissioners get commendations for showing meritorious performance. A negative marking is done on receiving complaints. As a woman, at times one has to face character assassination. Women in Punjab are moving forward rapidly in the field of politics, employments and business. Women Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners are more proactive.” She added, “A zero plastic policy has been strictly implemented in all government offices of Punjab. The people of Punjab are my first and foremost priority. The farmers in Punjab have purchased equipment and medicines worth billions of rupees through Kisan Card.” CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif gave answers to the questions of the participants of the NDU workshop. The participants of the delegation comprised members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, Senators and others. Copyright Business Recorder, 2024