Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired the 24th provincial cabinet meeting, where a range of important decisions were approved, addressing public welfare, infrastructure, and governance.
The cabinet approved a programme offering free travel for students, senior citizens, and people with disabilities across Punjab, while a proposal to introduce transport cards for students was also discussed. Maryam Nawaz directed relevant departments to take swift action to reduce poultry prices and approved the formation of special investigation units to handle sexual assault cases, with an emphasis on crime prevention.
To enhance regional connectivity, the cabinet endorsed the construction of airports in Bhakkar and Bahawalnagar. An airstrip will be developed in Bhakkar to support an air ambulance service, while discussions are ongoing for a Punjab airline. Traffic fine enforcement was also a key topic, with instructions given to ensure the recovery of fines and adopt strict measures against defaulters. Legal reforms to streamline the judicial system were also requested.
The appointment of Amjad Pervaiz as Advocate General was confirmed, with the chief minister stressing the importance of merit-based appointments. She rejected a proposed restriction on growing two rice crops annually, supporting farmers instead. The meeting also approved hiring 664 visually impaired individuals on daily wages to promote their social inclusion.
Maryam Nawaz praised the Nigehbaan Ramazan Package, which aided over 2.5 million households, and announced plans to distribute ration cards to 1.5 million more families. She also commended her team for ensuring peaceful and affordable Ramazan bazaars.
Additional approvals included strengthening riot management, increasing penalties for arms and fertiliser violations, providing free legal aid to the underprivileged, and waiving birth and death certificate registration fees for a year.
The chief minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to public service and inclusive governance.
