Punjab cabinet fixes wheat support price at Rs3,900/40kg

LAHORE: The provincial cabinet has fixed wheat support price at Rs3,900 per 40 kg besides approving the Wheat Procurement Policy 2024-25 here on Wednesday.

The decision was taken in the 5th cabinet meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. She said that she would ensure that interests of small farmers were protected at all costs. Rs1.5 lakh interest-free loans will be given to small farmers for buying farm inputs like seeds, fertilizers and pesticides under the farmer cards.

The cabinet also gave approval to establish Special Speedy Trial Courts in Punjab for the logical conclusion of criminal cases related to rape, child abuse, domestic violence, electricity theft and others. The advocate general Punjab briefed the cabinet about a proposed amendment to the defamation law and establishment of special trial courts.

The cabinet also gave approval for formation of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Legal Affairs, and amendments to the Alternate Dispute Reservation Act, 2019. Approval to remove the chairman Drug Court Gujranwala on complaints of misconduct was also given by the cabinet.

Meanwhile, Maryam visited the Chinese Consulate and met Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren. Other Chinese officials were present in the meeting. She expressed sorrow over the death of Chinese nationals in the Shangla attack.

Expressing her resolve to continue mutual cooperation with China in various sectors, she said Pakistan and China were exemplary friends and their everlasting friendship could not be undermined through cowardly actions. “The Pakistani nation is heartily grieved over the onslaught on their Chinese brothers.” She said the Punjab government was undertaking all possible measures to safeguard Chinese nationals working in Punjab and would strictly ensure the implementation

policy to provide foolproof security to Chinese nationals. The consul general expressed gratitude over the visit of Maryam.

Also, Maryam Nawaz sought the final plan on providing tetra pack flavoured milk up to Class 5 students. The CM chaired a meeting to review the School Education Reforms Programme in which it was decided to introduce reforms for 13,000 non-performing government schools in coming 3 months.

Chairing a meeting to review implementation of the solid waste management system in the province, she said garbage should not be seen in the streets and markets.

Maryam Nawaz expressed grief over the death of a traffic policeman, Rashid Malhi, who was crushed by a lorry in Haroonabad while performing his duty.