MULTAN/LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday inaugurated a PET-CT cyclotron facility and a cryoablation centre for cancer treatment at Nishtar Hospital, where she also inspected various departments and treatment facilities. The chief minister visited the cryoablation centre and examined the newly installed machine. Officials briefed her that the Chinese cryoablation technology could destroy cancerous tumours using needles, offering a minimally invasive treatment option.

The chief minister also visited the PET-CT cyclotron centre and reviewed the cyclotron machine's procedure, as well as the radiopharmaceutical production laboratory and pharmacy hot lab. She inspected the 100-bed cancer centre, including its OPD, ICU, chemotherapy and radiotherapy rooms, digital and CT simulator room and focused radiotherapy linear accelerator room. The CM also met Musarrat Arshad, 55, the first patient from Kamalia to receive cancer treatment through the cryoablation machine.

The patient became emotional while recounting her successful treatment. CM Punjab consoled her and congratulated her on her recovery. She also visited 24-year-old Nasreen from Mian Channu and inquired about her health.

Speaking to Nasreen's mother, the chief minister said the cryoablation machine had been brought from China for cancer treatment and expressed hope that the patient would recover fully. "I have brought the cryoablation machine from China for cancer treatment. There is no need to worry now," she said.

Meanwhile, Maryam inaugurated the Pakistan International Auto Show 2026 at the Expo Centre Lahore, formally launching the three-day event featuring leading local and international automobile companies. She held an informal meeting with industrialists associated with the automobile industry and appreciated their contribution to national economic development.