Punjab okays Rs4,000 wheat support price per maund

LAHORE/Gujranwala:Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi presided over the Punjab Cabinet meeting at the Commissioner's Office in Gujranwala, and announced four projects for the city.

The projects included the establishment of a vegetable market and Gawala Colony in Gujranwala, along with the construction of 24 new classrooms for DPS Gujranwala. Additionally, he approved creation of two model graveyards in Gujranwala and the establishment of a Panjab University campus in Daska.

The Punjab Cabinet approved setting the minimum support price of wheat at Rs4,000 per maund, a decision aimed at providing relief to farmers. Further decisions included an increase in the financial assistance package for the family members of government employees who died during service. The cabinet also greenlit the provision of funds for the establishment of an endowment fund for the welfare of the artistes, designed to support deserving artistes. The Cabinet approved the release of funds to operationalise the seven-year-old CT scan machine at Mayo Hospital.

Other approvals included the revision of inspection fees for transport vehicles and additional funds from the Punjab government's resources for the construction and maintenance of Sargodha-Mianwali Road under the PSDP scheme. The cabinet expressed dissatisfaction with the recovery efforts of the irrigation department, directing effective management and planning to improve recovery.

CM lays foundation stone for Gujranwala University

The chief minister, alongside the Punjab Cabinet, laid the foundation stone for the Gujranwala University. Provincial Minister Azfar Ali Nasir led a prayer during the momentous occasion. Mohsin Naqvi directed the swift completion of the university construction project.

He instructed Provincial Education Minister Mansoor Qadir to personally oversee the development of the university. He acknowledged the enduring demand and necessity for a university in Gujranwala. The establishment of the university is poised to facilitate higher education students in the region.

In a briefing, the CM was apprised that the estimated cost for the university's establishment exceeds Rs5.611 billion. The proposed university site spans 961 kanals, strategically located closest to the city. Meanwhile, the chief minister also inspected the Flagship Project Expressway Motorway Link Road in Gujranwala. He assessed the ongoing construction activities at various sites, including the asphalt laying process.

Observing the progress on the under-construction two-way road connecting Gujranwala with Lahore-Sialkot Motorway, Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the diligent workers for their efforts. A detailed briefing indicated that 65 percent of the project and nearly 100 percent of the earthwork for the 15.2km long link road was completed.

Inspects PIC upgradation progress

The chief minister visited the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), focusing on the progress of the PIC upgradation project.

He announced planning for the installation of LED screens to enhance the convenience of patients and their attendants. In a crucial directive, Mohsin Naqvi directed not to keep oxygen connections open. He instructed to ensure spacious private rooms, scheduling work in three shifts, and emphasised completing the upgradation project within the designated timeframe.