Maryam approves concessions for setting up industries in Punjab

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday chaired the 23rd provincial cabinet meeting and approved the “Zero Time to Start Policy” for industries.

The cabinet decided to promote industrialization in Punjab and approved the policy for Special Economic Zones, Industrial Estates and Small Industrial Estates. The chief minister said investors should be given NOCs immediately and the process for setting up industries be made easier and business-friendly.

The cabinet meeting also approved free travel facility for differently-abled and senior citizens in the mass transit system and agreed on the proposal to introduce a special student travel card. The CM also sought a plan to start a tram service. The cabinet meeting also approved funds of Rs580 million for the “Cryoablation” machine, an alternative to chemotherapy.

Maryam Nawaz directed improving the standards of special education centres for differently-abled people. The cabinet also decided in principle to introduce a special transport for differently-abled people. It also granted approval to recruit 5,960 constables. Restrictions were relaxed for 127 recruitments in the Mass Transit Authority and 87 posts were approved for recruitment in the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau. While the age limit for filling up vacant posts of doctors in Basic and Clinical Sciences was enhanced up to 65 years.

The Nigehban Ramazan Package worth Rs30 billion was approved to benefit 30 million people. An ATM card for Nigehban Ramazan Package will be introduced in Punjab next year. The chief minister said that for the first time in Punjab, the public would not have to stand in lines and would get Rs10,000 while sitting at home. The meeting also approved provision of 1,000 free tractors to wheat farmers in place of land levelers.

The chair directed Minister for Information and Culture Azma Zahid Bokhari to review the Punjab Defamation (Tribunal) Rules 2024.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited the Government Pilot Higher Secondary School to launch Pakistan Government School Science And Technology Show. She said children should not become ‘fuel for political parties’ and give a befitting reply to those inciting to vandalism, chaos and unrest besides burning government properties. She also criticised the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for personal attacks against political rivals.