Punjab cabinet says undue interference in executive authority unacceptable

LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced it doesn’t believe in conflict with any institution, but undue interference in the executive authority is not acceptable.

This was said in the 7th meeting of the provincial cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz here on Tuesday. “It is the responsibility of all of us to uphold sanctity of our office by exercising our powers within the constitutional limits,” said Maryam while addressing the meeting. She added: “You need not be apologetic in discussing your constitutional rights and prerogatives.”

The advocate general briefed the cabinet that the Constitution made mutual consultation of stakeholders indispensable before making important appointments. It was agreed in the meeting that the government would not go into conflict with any institution, but undue interference in the executive authority was also not acceptable.

The cabinet approved Food Minister Bilal Yasin’s proposal to constitute a ministerial committee for making important appointments after meaningful consultation with stakeholders. The cabinet ratified the Rock Salt Policy 2022 and the Rock Salt Amended Policy 2023 and directed forming a committee to decide on rock salt mining leases. It was decided to approach the NAB against those responsible for corruption in the grant of Rock Salt leases.

The chief minister said illegal leases of rock salt mining should be suspended immediately. “Do not waste even a single particle of salt, $13 billion rock salt mineral reserves are a valuable asset of the province.” The cabinet gave approval to extend the contract of 23 employees of the Policy and Strategic Planning Unit of the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, besides lifting a ban on recruitment against vacant posts. The cabinet approved the Punjab Government Advertisement Policy 2024 to regulate advertisements in print, electronic, cable and digital media in line with the federal government procedures.