Maryam approves dispatch of relief goods to Parachinar

LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet approved the dispatch of urgently needed medicines and supplies to Parachinar, along with the establishment of a mobile healthcare unit to address the needs of affected population.

Chairing the 21st cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to expedite the delivery of relief goods to Parachinar, reaffirming the government’s commitment to assist citizens in times of distress.

The provincial cabinet congratulated Maryam Nawaz on her successful visit to China. Maryam said, “The extraordinary reception received by the delegation in China is a source of pride for the people of Punjab. China has developed by making 1.6 billion people its strength. China’s development is an example to be emulated. We can achieve all that by working hard.”

Maryam expressed her desire for Punjab to develop similarly to China and highlighted the strong interest of Chinese investors. She praised the participation of representatives from large business organizations in Punjab and convened a round-table conference on Saturday, despite being a holiday.

The chief minister announced that representatives from 60 prominent Chinese companies are willing to invest in Punjab, with the approval of a China-Punjab Business Desk. She announced the launching of a pilot project for Chinese cancer treatment techniques in a Punjab hospital. The cabinet granted approval for the completion of Pakistan’s inaugural green building project. Maryam directed relevant authorities to introduce a farmer-friendly wheat release policy for next year. The cabinet approved the continuation of sugarcane cess rates from the previous season and highlighted the successful purchase of agricultural inputs worth Rs30 billion using the Kisan Card. The cabinet was informed about the arrival of 4,500 tractors under the Green Tractor Scheme, with 1,000 already delivered. Notably, DAP fertilizer rates remained stable in Punjab. Additionally, the chief minister approved funds for free medicines in hospitals.

The cabinet increased the punishment for begging children from 1 to 10 years and approved funds for the third phase of ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ program. The chief minister emphasized the continuity of funding for this program and approved the installation of automatic umbrellas at Data Darbar.

The provincial cabinet established the Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority and approved the development of Qila Kahna Qasim Bagh Multan. Amendments to the Punjab Motor Vehicle Ordinance were also approved to enforce the Axle Load Management Regime.

Maryam directed the relevant authorities to provide furniture in government schools and approved the School Management Council Policy 2024. The cabinet decided to increase financial authority to Rs2.5 million for hundreds of toilet blocks constructed under the School Management Council in Punjab.

The cabinet also approved the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2024 to include nutrition as a basic human right.