Punjab cabinet approves free transport, security reforms, welfare initiatives

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired the 24th meeting of the provincial cabinet on Thursday, during which the cabinet approved a record number of agenda items and took several key decisions related to social welfare, security, infrastructure and governance.

The chief minister also clarified that Punjab is not drawing water from any other province and will respond appropriately to any related concerns. The cabinet approved free travel facilities across Punjab for differently-abled persons, senior citizens, and students. The proposal to introduce transport cards for students was also reviewed. Maryam directed authorities to take effective measures to reduce chicken prices and to ensure strict price control of food items ahead of Eidul Fitr. She appreciated the successful implementation of Ramazan Nighaban Package, noting that over 2.56 million households have already received cheques, and 1.5 million families will soon benefit from Ration cards.

The cabinet approved the establishment of special investigation units for sexual crimes and directed authorities to take comprehensive steps to prevent such incidents. The cabinet gave in-principle approval for the construction of airports in Bhakkar and Bahawalnagar. Funds were approved for an airstrip in Bhakkar district to facilitate an air ambulance service. The proposal to launch Punjab’s airline was also reviewed.

Maryam Nawaz also expressed a deep sense of grief and sorrow over a painful incident of firing on passengers in which six people were killed after they were taken off a bus in Kalmat, Gwadar. She offered condolences and expressed her heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved families.