LAHORE, Jun 03 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired the 26th meeting of the provincial cabinet, here on Tuesday, where 101 agenda items were taken into consideration.

In a landmark decision, the CM announced a reduction in electricity tariffs, offering up to 40 percent relief to consumers in the province. The initiative makes Punjab the first province to voluntarily reduce power tariffs. Acting on the Chief Minister’s directives, the cabinet approved reductions in electricity rates for Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power Private Limited and Punjab Thermal Power Private Limited, aiming to ease the financial burden on citizens and lower electricity bills across the board.

During the meeting, the CM said that the people of Punjab have reposed their full trust in the leadership and governance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). She said that the Punjab government is committed to fulfilling this trust through performance-driven governance. The cabinet also congratulated the party on its resounding victory in the recent Sambrial by-election, where the PML-N secured an overwhelming majority in 80 per of the rural constituencies. The victory was attributed to widespread public support, especially from the farming community, youth, and women voters, who turned out in large numbers.

CM Maryam Nawaz lauded Provincial Minister Zeeshan Rafique and Special Assistant Zeeshan Malik for their dedicated efforts in the election campaign, noting that the party’s public welfare projects played a key role in mobilizing support. The cabinet was also briefed on several significant development initiatives across various sectors.

The CM directed the departments concerned to take necessary steps for the establishment of a medical college in Layyah, while also commending the recent improvements in hospitals and road infrastructure in the region. A grant-in-aid of Rs. 400 million was approved for the Punjab Journalist Housing Foundation to facilitate payment to RUDA for the Lahore Press Club Housing Scheme Phase II.

In a major step for agriculture, the CM announced a substantial support package for wheat farmers.

The meeting was informed that Rs. 5,000 per acre subsidy had already been paid to 514,000 farmers, with payments to another 500,000 farmers underway following the completion of the verification process. Under the second phase of the Kisan Card initiative, Rs. 63 billion has been disbursed, with farmers having purchased fertilizers worth Rs. 18 billion so far. The cabinet formally approved the Chief Minister Wheat Program 2025 to strengthen support for the agriculture sector.

In the transport sector, the cabinet approved the launch of Punjab’s first “Air Punjab Private Limited” and set a one-year timeline for its commencement. Approval was also granted for the introduction of electric buses across nine divisions of Punjab, along with the construction of charging stations in major cities. Additionally, the cabinet endorsed the construction and upgradation of bus shelters in Lahore and the establishment of depots at Thokar Niaz Baig and the Railway Station.

The CM took serious notice of worker safety and directed the Labour Department to ensure the provision of safety gear for workers, especially those involved in high-risk jobs such as construction and sewer cleaning. She ordered strict implementation of safety protocols and approved the issuance of ration cards to workers and miners registered with the Labour Department.

The cabinet approved the Punjab Autism School and Resource Centre Lahore Act 2025, with clear instructions to admit all children without discrimination. The establishment of Nawaz Sharif Medical City in Lahore was also approved, with the transfer of land spanning 5,000 kanals. This state-of-the-art medical district will include specialized centers for blood diseases, bone marrow transplant, a children’s hospital, parks, hotels, food courts, play areas, and an urban forest. A globally renowned institution has also expressed interest in setting up a children’s hospital within the district.

To improve educational infrastructure, the Chief Minister announced a Rs. 40 billion plan to ensure essential facilities, including classrooms, toilet blocks, furniture, and laboratories, in all public schools across the province. The cabinet also approved the provision of 1,100 interest-free electric taxis in Lahore to support green urban transport.

The meeting also saw the approval of Punjab’s first Child Protection Policy, aimed at clearly defining institutional responsibilities for child safety. Special grants were approved for the families of victims of the Attock District Courts attack. Eco-tourism projects in Changa Manga, Lal Sohanra, and the National Park were also given the green light to promote environmental sustainability.

The cabinet approved several laws, policies, and development schemes, including the Punjab Senior Citizens Welfare Bill 2025, the Mines and Minerals Act 2025, amendments to the Punjab Price Control of Essential Commodities Act 2024, and the Punjab Public Awareness and Information Dissemination Act 2025. Key healthcare legislation such as the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Services Bill 2025 was also approved, alongside administrative changes including the dissolution of the Board of Management of the Punjab Institute of Mental Health and formation of an administration committee.

Among numerous other approvals were the implementation of the Electronic Warehouse Receipt System (EWR) for farmers, establishment of a pension scheme under the Punjab Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, issuance of personalized vanity vehicle number plates, and registration of electric vehicles. Several supplementary grants were approved, including funds for Ramzan Bazaars 2022, branded motorcycles for field staff, and outstanding court-ordered payments.

The cabinet also approved the restructuring of the Punjab Green Development Program, reorganization of City Traffic Police Lahore, recruitment approvals in various departments, and nomination of presiding officers, secretaries, and board chairpersons across multiple educational and labour institutions. Contracts, MoUs, and policies related to agriculture, environmental protection, technical education, film censorship, and prison safety were also reviewed and endorsed.

The meeting concluded with the ratification of decisions taken in the 25th provincial cabinet meeting and approval of medical expense reimbursements for several patients, including government employees and citizens undergoing critical treatments.