Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in a recent meeting, announced that the Punjab cabinet has approved establishing a ‘Plug and Play Garment City’ and its inclusion in the annual development program, according to a news source on June 26.
As per the details, the 10th provincial cabinet meeting, covering a 56-point agenda, also approved the ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ and ‘Chief Minister Punjab Kisan Card’ programs, with the former launching on August 14. These initiatives aim to provide affordable housing and support to farmers, reflecting the government’s commitment to social welfare and economic development.
During the meeting, the cabinet decided to discontinue government house allotments to employees after retirement. This policy shift aims to promote fairness and better management of government housing resources. The cabinet also implemented transparent procedures for appointing key educational administrators, including an IT screening test, psychological assessment, and training at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). This move is intended to ensure that educational leadership is both competent and well-prepared for their roles.
To incentivize doctors to work in remote areas, the cabinet approved increased allowances for doctors at Basic Health Units, Rural Health Centres, and some Tehsil Headquarters hospitals, including night and petrol allowances. This decision is part of a broader effort to improve healthcare access and quality in underserved regions of Punjab.
This legislation represents a significant step toward recognizing and respecting the cultural and religious practices of the Sikh community in Punjab.
Additionally, the management of several hospitals will be transferred to the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department to streamline healthcare services. The cabinet approved amendments to the Registration Act of 1908 to facilitate property transfers for overseas Pakistanis, ensuring a more efficient and transparent process. The endorsement of eco-friendly rickshaw initiatives to combat smog and the finalization of procedures for distributing electric bikes to orphan students highlight the government’s focus on environmental sustainability and social equity.
Further approvals included upgrading librarians with a Master’s degree to BS-17, signing an MoU with Pakistan Railways for railway crossings in the Jalalpur Irrigation Project, and implementing measures to prepare for potential heavy monsoon rains. These diverse initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to comprehensive development across various sectors.
