LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, approved a series of significant initiatives during its 30th meeting on Wednesday, including the installation of QR codes for retailers under the Prime Minister’s Cashless Strategy. The cabinet also authorised the establishment of Air Punjab Private Limited and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Lahore-Rawalpindi High-Speed Rail project.
In a bid to improve transportation, the cabinet rejected a proposal to increase fares for electric buses in Multan, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. The meeting also saw the approval of the recruitment of “School Teachers Intern” for government schools.
A key highlight was the approval of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025, aligning with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision, “One who possesses it owns it.” Additionally, a subsidy program under the Chief Minister’s High-Tech Farm Mechanization Finance Program was approved, alongside funding for a green corridor along the Lahore railway track.
The cabinet also approved the establishment of the University of Hafizabad, a subsidy for the Chief Minister Punjab Green Tractor Phase II, and the introduction of the Punjab Low Carbon and Adaptive Agriculture Project with assistance from the Asian Development Bank.
Other notable approvals included the formation of a Board of Governors for various institutions, including the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research, and funding for infrastructure projects such as the Abdullah Gul Interchange and Barki Road Development.
The cabinet also gave the green light to amendments in the Punjab Private Housing Schemes Rules, the establishment of the Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority, and the nomination of key officials to anti-terrorism and corruption courts in multiple districts.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif commended the performance of several government officials, including Special Assistant Salma Butt and DG Food Amjad Hafeez, during the meeting.
