- Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized price control and law and order in the 12th provincial cabinet meeting.
- The cabinet approved the Chief Minister Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Program for 2,000 students.
- Key projects, including the addition of 10,000 e-bikes and 3,000 sustainable development projects, were also greenlit.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired the 12th provincial cabinet meeting, where significant decisions were made on key agenda items and projects. She stressed the importance of price control and law and order, noting that failure in these areas would reflect poorly on the respective Deputy Commissioners. Emphasizing local vegetable cultivation to cut transportation costs, she likened the government to a caring mother responsible for everyone.
During the meeting, the cabinet approved the Chief Minister Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Program, which offers a three-month internship to 2,000 students with a stipend of Rs 25,000 per month and Social Service Certificates upon completion. The Punjab government will cover all costs except insurance for the e-bike scheme, adding 10,000 more electric bikes to the initiative.
The cabinet also sanctioned the Chief Minister District Sustainable Development Goals Program, which will see the completion of around 3,000 projects, including roads, parks, drainage systems, clean water facilities, street lights, and tube wells, at a cost of Rs 80 billion within a year. The Urban Unit will monitor and evaluate these projects using Geographical Information System (GIS) technology.
Additionally, the cabinet approved an increase in the quarterly stipend for Himmat Card holders to Rs 10,500 and mandated doorstep verification for special persons’ eligibility. The establishment of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority was approved, along with a new e-Transfer Policy for Higher and School Education.
Amendments to Section 144 under the Criminal Code, 1898, were also passed, giving the Deputy Commissioner the authority to impose Section 144 for 30 days, the Home Secretary for 90 days, and the Cabinet for extended periods. The National Highway and Motorway Police, Punjab Transport Authority, and Traffic Police were empowered to inspect official vehicle records and impose fines for violations. Amendments to the Procurement Rules 2014 were approved to streamline the process.
Other approvals included the residence application for renowned singer Tassawar Khanum, the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wah/Wah Cantt, and the appointment of the Chairperson of the Punjab Revenue Authority. Provincial Ministers, Special Assistants, the Chief Secretary, Secretaries, and other relevant officers attended the meeting.
