LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif presided over the 21st meeting of the provincial cabinet to deliberate on and finalize key agenda items.

The cabinet approved sending medicines and other essentials in response to the needs of the people of Parachinar. The chief minister announced, “A mobile healthcare unit will also be dispatched as per their requirements.” She emphasized the importance of providing timely aid, stating, “The people of Parachinar are our own, and we will not leave them alone in their time of need.”The Privatisation Committee has approved the rejection of the PKR 10 billion bid for PIA.

The cabinet extended its congratulations to the chief minister on the success of her recent visit to China. She noted that the delegation’s extraordinary reception in China was a source of pride for the people of Punjab. Highlighting China’s progress, she remarked, “China’s development, achieved by turning its 1.6 billion people into its strength, is a model worth emulating. With hard work, we too can achieve similar success.”

Maryam Nawaz further observed the high levels of cleanliness and discipline in China, saying, “Not a single scrap of paper is visible in schools, hospitals, or on roads.” She also admired the Chinese people’s respect for authority and their collective harmony.

Expressing her vision for Punjab’s growth, she stated, “I want Punjab to progress like China every day.” She highlighted the enthusiasm of Chinese investors to invest in Punjab, noting that despite it being a holiday, representatives from prominent business organizations attended the Punjab roundtable conference.

The chief minister shared that representatives from 60 major Chinese companies expressed their interest in investing in Punjab, and a China-Punjab Desk has been established. She also announced that a pilot project using China’s advanced cancer treatment technology, which eliminates the need for chemotherapy, will soon be launched in a hospital in Punjab.

Maryam Nawaz added that PML-N leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif praised the delegation’s visit to China, mentioning that he had not seen such a reception in 40 years. She highlighted her observations in agriculture, IT, environment, education, and health during the visit and expressed her intention to bring these advancements to Punjab.

The cabinet approved the Punjab Clean Air Program, which introduces initiatives such as e-buses, charging stations, and super seeders with World Bank support. Additionally, Pakistan’s first green building project received cabinet approval.

A farmer-friendly wheat release policy for 2024-25 was also approved, along with the sugarcane cess rates for the upcoming crushing season. The cabinet was informed that agricultural inputs worth Rs. 30 billion were purchased using the Chief Minister’s Kisan Card, and Punjab achieved 100% of its wheat cultivation target.

Under the Green Tractor Scheme, 4,500 tractors have arrived, with 1,000 already delivered. For the first time, DAP fertilizer prices remained stable in Punjab. The chief minister approved funds for free medicines in hospitals and directed efforts to promote shrimp farming and aquaculture.

The cabinet approved amendments to the Punjab Vagrancy Ordinance 1958, increasing the punishment for involving children in begging from one year to ten years. Phase III of the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” housing program and the installation of automated umbrellas at Data Darbar were also approved.

The recruitment for the Special Monitoring Unit of I&C and relaxation of rules for Rescue 1122 staff were sanctioned. The scope of emergency rescue services was also directed to be expanded further.

The cabinet approved establishing the Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority and initiatives to promote cultural heritage and tourism, such as the development of Qila Kahna Qasim Bagh in Multan.

Additional decisions included amendments to the Punjab Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 for effective axle load management, provision of furniture for government schools, and financial authority increases for school infrastructure.

The cabinet endorsed a constitutional amendment bill to recognize nutrition as a basic human right, approved the establishment of an advisory committee under the Punjab Environment Protection Act, and reconstituted boards for wildlife and protected areas. A Council of Rights for Persons with Disabilities was also approved.