Business Recorder
LAHORE: Punjab Cabinet, which met here on Monday with the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in the chair, accorded approval for the restructuring and capacity enhancement of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), establishment of the Punjab General Insurance Company, and upgrading of the UET sub-campus Narowal into the University of Engineering and Technology Narowal. The CM chaired the 34th meeting of the provincial cabinet during which a wide range of key policy decisions, development projects and public welfare initiatives were approved. The cabinet paid glowing tribute on the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq to Quaid Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, as well as the Air Chief and Naval Chief. The cabinet also commended Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for the successful operation in the riverine “Katcha” areas. The chief minister appreciated the performance of the finance minister and finance secretary for the swift establishment of the Punjab General Insurance Company (PGIC), which also received formal cabinet approval. The cabinet approved the launch of the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” scheme for residents of Cholistan and riverine areas under easy terms and conditions. During the briefing, it was informed that 30,000 plots had been identified for the programme, while nearly 200,000 families had already submitted applications. The chief minister directed strict digital monitoring of the scheme and said complete information should be accessible to citizens “with one click.” The provincial cabinet also approved summer vacations in schools from May 22 to Aug 24. The cabinet also accorded approval for the expansion of the Quaid-i-Azam Business Park (QABP) in Sheikhupura by an additional 200 acres, implementation of the axle load management system across Punjab, and lifting the ban on fresh recruitment in the Punjab Mass Transit Authority. The cabinet approved inclusion of hill torrent (Rod Kohi) projects in Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025-26, establishment of a Provincial Traffic Management and Command Centre, and launch of the Chief Minister Stroke Management Programme. Approval was also granted for placing Data Darbar Hospital under the control of the Auqaf Department, establishment of the Aquaculture Authority of Punjab, and transfer of forest land for shrimp estates. Additional funds were approved for construction of the road from Lala Musa to Maiwana, while the chief minister directed authorities to expedite completion of the project. The cabinet approved donations for the Prime Minister’s Austerity Fund 2026 and abolished transfer fees for motorcycles up to 150cc in a move aimed at providing relief against rising fuel prices. Approval was also granted for establishment of additional sessions courts in Hazro tehsil of Attock district and Kot Chhutta tehsil of Dera Ghazi Khan district. The cabinet increased the number of beneficiaries and additional funds for the Chief Minister Minority Card programme and approved Punjab’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy. Development schemes worth Rs 500 million in Sheikhupura district were included in the ADP, while the Bank of Punjab was designated as financial agent for the “Clean Air Programme.” Additional schemes for rehabilitation of roads in Sahiwal, Mianwali and Faisalabad districts were also approved. Addressing the cabinet, the chief minister directed that no hurdles or delays should be created in issuance of NOCs and approvals for industrial projects. “Whoever wants to establish industry in Punjab should do so. We will provide full support,” she said, adding that industrialists should bring their construction plans and the process of setting up industries would be made easier. She warned officials against incurring expenditures without prior approval. “Spending first and sending bills later is unacceptable under any circumstances. I will not tolerate the mentality of burdening the government with liabilities,” she said. The cabinet also approved a targeted fuel subsidy for motorcycle riders and Kisan Card holders. Among other major decisions, the cabinet approved the Punjab Control of Ghunda and Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2025; amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997; establishment of the Provincial Traffic Management and Command Centre; urban bus operations under a rental model to facilitate free public transport; the Punjab Film City Authority Ordinance 2026; merger of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency into the Punjab Forensic Science Authority; and establishment of friendship province relations between Punjab and Zhejiang province of China. The cabinet also approved appointments of vice chancellors, judges, chief executives and senior officials in various institutions and departments. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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