LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet has approved the provision of free travel for disabled people, senior citizens and students across Punjab.
As per the details, the provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved the free travel facility for these groups. In addition, the Chief Minister directed steps to reduce the price of chicken.
The cabinet also approved the establishment of special investigation units for sexual crimes, in which steps were directed to be taken to prevent incidents of rape.
In a major development, the meeting took an in-principle decision to build airports in Bhakkar and Bahawalnagar, and funds were allocated for the construction of an airstrip to support air ambulance services in Bhakkar district.
Furthermore, the proposal to establish Punjab’s own airline service was reviewed.
Other important decisions include approval to sign an agreement with the World Bank for a student grading system, increase in fines for violations of the Punjab Fertilizer Control Act and stiffer fines and punishments for violations of the Punjab Arms Ordinance to deal with illegal weapons.
Fees for registration of birth and death certificates were waived for one year. Furthermore, the cabinet approved amendments to the Punjab Legal Aid Rules to provide free legal aid to the poor.
The chief minister rejected a proposal to ban the cultivation of two rice crops in Punjab. The cabinet also approved a proposal to adjust 664 visually impaired persons (VIPs) on daily wages, ensuring further social inclusion. Furthermore, approval was given to create 3,904 posts in the Punjab Crime Control Department.
Approval was given to enhance cooperation with the government of Chengdu (China) and promote the ICT Hub project in Punjab.
The cabinet also approved the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) “Lining of Watercourses in Cholistan” project.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized that we are not taking water from any province and will respond accordingly to any allegations.
