The Punjab government has taken significant steps toward development and public welfare, including the construction of airports in Bhakkar and Bahawalnagar, free travel facilities for special individuals and students, and a proposal to launch a provincial airline service. These key decisions were made in a provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Key Decisions and Initiatives
The government has approved the construction of airports in Bhakkar and Bahawalnagar to improve connectivity and economic growth in these regions. Additionally, funds have been allocated for an air ambulance service in Bhakkar, ensuring quick medical assistance in emergency situations.
To facilitate mobility, the government has announced free travel facilities for senior citizens, special individuals, and students on public transport. A proposal to introduce student transport cards is also under review.
Addressing economic concerns, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to implement measures to reduce poultry prices, ensuring that essential commodities remain affordable, especially during Eid-ul-Fitr. She has also emphasized strict price control on food items during the festive season.
On the legal and administrative front, the cabinet discussed judicial reforms and approved amendments to the Punjab Legal Aid Rules to provide free legal assistance to underprivileged citizens. Furthermore, it was decided that no recruitments in the legal sector would be influenced by favoritism, ensuring 100% merit-based hiring for law officers.
In the security and law enforcement sector, the Punjab government has approved 3,904 new recruitments in the Crime Control Department and has sanctioned a 2,000-member riot management police force to handle public disturbances efficiently.
Education and employment were also key focus areas, with 40,000 special students set to receive Eid gifts from the Chief Minister. Additionally, 664 visually impaired individuals will be employed on daily wages, providing them with sustainable financial support.
In the agriculture and trade sector, the Chief Minister rejected a proposal to restrict double rice cropping in Punjab, supporting farmers’ interests. Stricter penalties for violations of the Punjab Fertilizer Control Act and the Punjab Arms Ordinance were also approved to ensure better regulation and security.
For public welfare, the cabinet has waived the fees for birth and death registration certificates for one year and has also announced that ration cards will be distributed among 1.5 million families to ease financial burdens.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed that all government recruitments will be based strictly on merit, rejecting any form of political favoritism. She expressed satisfaction over the Ramadan relief package, highlighting that, for the first time in 15 years, Ramadan markets operated smoothly without long queues or mismanagement.