Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired the 23rd provincial cabinet meeting, where significant decisions aimed at promoting industrial growth, improving public services, and enhancing welfare were made.
A major highlight of the meeting was the approval of the ‘Zero Time to Start’ policy for Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Industrial Estates, and Small Industrial Estates. This policy aims to attract investors by simplifying the process of setting up industries in Punjab. The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities for industrialists, including immediate issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs), ensuring a business-friendly environment.
“We want investors to establish industries and begin operations without delay. Our goal is to simplify processes and offer every possible facility to ensure ease of doing business,” CM Maryam Nawaz stated.
The cabinet also approved a series of welfare initiatives. A free travel facility will be provided to differently-abled individuals and senior citizens in Punjab’s mass transit system. Additionally, a special travel card for students will be introduced to ease their commute. Furthermore, funds worth Rs. 580 million were approved for the procurement of a “Cryoablation” machine, an alternative cancer treatment method that will benefit patients across the province.
The Chief Minister also directed the establishment of modern, user-friendly special education centers and urged improvements to facilities for differently-abled individuals. In a bid to address road safety, CM Maryam Nawaz ordered the immediate filling of potholes across Punjab.
In other significant decisions, Rs. 30 billion was approved for the Nigahban Ramadan Package, designed to benefit 30 million people. An innovative ATM card system will be introduced for the package, allowing beneficiaries to receive Rs. 10,000 directly to their accounts, eliminating the need to stand in long lines.
To support the agricultural sector, the government will provide 1,000 free tractors to wheat farmers, replacing the land leveler. Additionally, plans are in motion to replace 353 vehicles of the Rescue 1122 service in a phased manner, with 117 ambulances in the first phase.
The cabinet also approved several infrastructure projects, including Rs. 309 million for the construction and renovation of the Lahore Metrobus corridor and a grant for the launch of a pilot project for electric buses.
Furthermore, the meeting ratified the decisions of previous cabinet meetings and approved the purchase of laptops under the CM Punjab Laptop Program. Other initiatives include the establishment of a special center for robotic artificial limbs, proposed amendments to the Drug Act 1976, and grants for various educational institutions.
CM Maryam Nawaz reinforced the government’s commitment to improving Punjab’s industrial landscape, public infrastructure, and social services, aiming for long-term development and the welfare of its residents.
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