Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired the 25th meeting of the provincial cabinet, where a series of significant decisions were approved, particularly focused on the welfare of farmers, industrial workers, and sustainable urban development.
At the outset of the meeting, the cabinet expressed condolences over the passing of Provincial Minister Sohaib Bharth’s uncle and MPA Arshad Warraich, offering prayers for the departed soul.
The cabinet congratulated Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on her successful official visit to Türkiye and appreciated her progressive vision for girls' education in the province.
In a major step to protect wheat farmers, the cabinet approved amendments to the Foodgrains (Licensing Control) Order, 1957, mandating that flour mills purchase at least 25% of their wheat locally. Non-compliant mills risk license cancellation. The cabinet also approved deregulation of the wheat sector to ensure fair market practices.
To further support farmers, the cabinet approved the implementation of an Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) system, allowing farmers to store their wheat while the government covers storage costs.
In a landmark move, the cabinet gave principal approval for introducing Pakistan's largest ration card initiative for 1.5 million laborers and workers, proposing monthly support of Rs. 10,000 through the ration card system.
In a boost to rice cultivation, the cabinet approved an MoU between the Rice Research Institute, the Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences (China), and Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad. The collaboration aims to introduce hybrid rice seed technology in Punjab. “Agricultural research should directly benefit farmers,” CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized.
The chief minister also directed immediate clearance of outstanding dues for water supply schemes and approved amendments in the regulations of the Children’s Library Complex, Lahore. Notably, the facility will house Pakistan’s first Nawaz Sharif Early Education Centre of Excellence.
In an eco-friendly push, the cabinet approved the launch of electric bus services in multiple cities across Punjab, including a directive to begin service in Rajanpur. Under CM Maryam Nawaz's T-30 vision, feasibility studies for mass transit systems in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Lahore’s Yellow, Blue, and Purple lines were also approved.
Additional cabinet decisions included:
- Amendments to the Punjab Motor Vehicle Rules, 1969, to regulate motorcycle rickshaws (Chingchis).
- Allocation of funds for the purchase of medicines and hospital equipment for tertiary care hospitals.
- Approval of proposed amendments to the Punjab Consumer Protection Act, 2005, granting judicial powers to additional session judges in consumer courts.
- Draft approval of the Punjab Labour Code 2024, extending coverage to workers in construction, agriculture, and other sectors.
- Relaxation on recruitment bans for the Punjab Agriculture Research Board (PARB).
- Approval of new recruitments in the Punjab Public Private Partnership Authority (P4A).
- Extension of contracts for staff at the Chief Drugs Controller’s Office and Provincial Quality Control Board, Lahore.
These decisions reflect CM Maryam Nawaz’s commitment to inclusive development, sustainability, and institutional reform across Punjab.
