LAHORE: The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, held its 19th Cabinet meeting and approved the establishment of the province’s first ‘Punjab Road Safety Authority’ (PRSA). The authority aims to standardize road infrastructure, improve road safety measures, and establish driving training schools, according to a statement released on Thursday. The PRSA will also supervise a newly established motor transport agency, aiming to reduce Punjab’s high traffic accident rate, which currently stands at a concerning 10% daily death ratio.
The transport minister will lead a special 14-member committee for the PRSA, which is tasked with implementing these safety and infrastructure improvements.
In addition to road safety measures, the cabinet approved various cultural, infrastructure, and social development initiatives. Among these, the Artists Khidmat Card grant was increased to provide additional support for artists across the province. It was also decided to transfer authority over the Lahore Arts Council Endowment Fund to the Minister for Information. In a gesture of support for the arts community, CM Maryam Nawaz inquired about the health of actor Shafqat Cheema, who has been unwell.
Further approvals focused on the improvement of civic infrastructure, including the allocation of funds to upgrade sewerage and rainwater drainage systems across several Punjab cities. Five deputy commissioners were awarded certificates and two months of honorary salary for their exceptional performance in meeting key performance indicators, with Bahawalnagar DC Zulfikar Ahmed receiving top honors.
The cabinet also approved conditional development projects, including protective embankments to prevent river erosion, the construction of an eye center for cancer and other diseases, and a Rs. 210 million grant for the Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Program. In addition, a supplementary grant was allocated for Gujranwala Waste Management Company, and the board of directors for the Gujrat Waste Management Company was reconstituted.
Other notable approvals included amendments to the Notaries Ordinance 1961, Punjab Police Rules 1934, and the Stamp Act 1899, alongside a Rs. 20 million grant-in-aid for the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council to support the T20 World Cup for the Blind.
These comprehensive measures reflect the government’s focus on road safety, cultural support, infrastructure upgrades, and social welfare initiatives, marking a progressive step in Punjab’s development strategy.
