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Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Punjab gets first Child Protection Policy
The Punjab cabinet has approved the province's first-ever comprehensive Child Protection Policy. This policy developed by the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau with technical support from UNICEF Pakistan was described as a new benchmark for child welfare, marking a transformative step toward ending violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect against children in the communities. The policy, according to the CPWB chairperson, serves as a comprehensive roadmap for child protection mechanisms across Punjab. It is the culmination of efforts that began over two years ago with the submission of the draft to the home department. Case management activities under the policy framework have been underway for over a year. Chairing the cabinet meeting that took up 101 agenda items, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also announced a plan to reduce the power tariffs in order to provide maximum relief to the people. This is the second time that a province was fiddling with electricity tariffs that originally is a federal subject. Once implemented, Punjab will became the first province to voluntarily reduce electricity tariffs. The chief minister approved reduction in the tariffs of Punjab's power companies. On the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the tariffs may be reduced by 30 to 40 per cent. The provincial cabinet approved the reduction in tariffs of the Quaid-i-Azam and Punjab Thermal Power Private Limited. To address the grievances of the provinces estranged farmers, the chief minister said that a huge package is going to be given to the wheat growers. It was informed in the meeting that the payment of Rs5,000 per acre subsidy has been completed to 514,000 wheat farmers. The payment will be made after the verification process of another 500,000 farmers is completed. Al allocation of Rs63 billion was provided in the second phase through the Kisan Card and farmers have purchased fertilizer worth Rs18 billion. The cabinet approved the Chief Minister Wheat Programme 2025. Continuing with the tradition the provincial PML-N government of creating layers upon layers of companies and authorities, the cabinet approved the establishment of the Air Punjab Private Limited Company. The CM set a target of launching the Air Punjab within a year. She ordered immediate steps for closing vaping centres in the province. She also directed the authorities to ensure safety gear for labourers and assigned the labour department a target of implementing safety SOPs for workers within a month. The provincial cabinet approved ration cards for workers and miners registered with the labour department and provision of electric buses in nine divisions of Punjab. The CM issued directives to establish charging stations in all major cities as soon as possible. Eco-tourism project were approved for Changa Manga and Lal Sohanra parks.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab CM announces up to 40pc relief in power tariffs
LAHORE: Punjab Cabinet, which met here Tuesday with the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in the chair, accorded approval for reduction in tariffs of Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power Private Limited and Punjab Thermal Power Private Limited. The Chief Minister also announced to reduce power tariffs in order to reduce electricity bills so as to provide maximum relief to the people. The Chief Minister approved to reduce the tariffs of Punjab's power companies. On the direction of Chief Minister, the tariffs may be reduced by 30 to 40 percent. Punjab became the first province to voluntarily reduce electricity tariffs. The Chief Minister said that people repose their complete trust in the leadership and government of PML-N. The provincial cabinet extended congratulations to the CM on party's win in the by-election at Sambrial. It was apprised that the victory gained with a huge majority in 80 percent rural provincial constituencies is a manifestation of farmers' complete confidence in the policies of Chief Minister Punjab. A large number of youth and women cast their votes in the Sambrial by-election. The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of Provincial Minister Zeeshan Rafique and Special Assistant Zeeshan Malik. Minister Zeeshan Rafique informed the cabinet that the people voted in large numbers due to public welfare initiatives and projects of Chief Minister Punjab. Special Assistant Zeeshan Malik said that people came out of their homes in a large number and voted for PML-N. The Chief Minister congratulated the Minister for Health, Minister for Communications and relevant secretaries for ensuring improvements in the conditions of hospital and roads in Layyah. She directed to take necessary steps for the establishment of a medical college in Layyah. The cabinet approved a grant-in-aid of Rs 400 million to the Punjab Journalist Housing Foundation. The PJHF will pay RUDA for the land of Lahore Press Club Housing Scheme Phase II. The CM said that a huge package is going to be given to the wheat farmers. It was informed in the meeting that the payment of Rs 5,000 per acre subsidy has been completed to 514,000 wheat farmers in Punjab. The payment will be made after the verification process of another 500,000 wheat farmers is completed. An amount of Rs. 63 billion was provided in the second phase through Kisan Card and farmers have purchased fertilizer worth Rs 18 billion. The cabinet approved the Chief Minister Wheat Program 2025. The establishment of Punjab's first 'Air Punjab Private Limited Company' was also approved. The CM set a target of starting 'Air Punjab' within one year. She directed to take immediate steps for closing vaping centres in the province. She directed to ensure 'safety gear' for labourers and workers and assigned the Labour Department a target of implementing safety SOPs for workers within a month. The provincial cabinet approved ration cards for workers and miners registered with the Labour Department. The meeting also approved the provision of electric buses in nine divisions of Punjab. The CM directed to establish charging stations in all major cities as soon as possible. The meeting approved the Punjab Autism School and Resource Centre Lahore Act 2025. The CM directed to admit all sick children to the autism centre without any discrimination. The cabinet approved the transfer of land to establish Pakistan's first Nawaz Sharif Medical District in Lahore. The medical District will have blood diseases, bone marrow and all other specialized centers on a five thousand kanals of land. Parks, hotels, food court, play area and urban forest will be established in the Nawaz Sharif Medical District. A globally renowned institution has contacted for the establishment of a children hospital in the Nawaz Sharif Medical District. The Chief Minister set a target of providing essential facilities in all schools across Punjab. Classrooms, toilet blocks, furniture and laboratories will be built in every school worth Rs. 40 billion. The provincial cabinet approved the provision of 1100 interest-free electric taxis in Lahore. The meeting approved Punjab's first child protection policy to determine the responsibilities of institutions to ensure the safety of children. Special grant-in-aid was approved for the heirs of those killed in the attack in the Attock District Courts. Eco-tourism projects were approved in Changa Manga Wildlife, Lal Sohanra National Park. The cabinet approved the construction, repair and upgradation of bus shelters in Lahore. Approval was also given to build depots for electric buses at Thokar Niaz Baig and Railway Station. The meeting approved an Rs 100 billion Chief Minister Punjab Special Financing Facility to assist flour mills and food grains license holders. The implementation of the Electronic Warehouse Reset System (EWR) was approved to facilitate farmers. The cabinet approved the presentation of the annual report of the Punjab Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (P-TEVTA) for 2022-23 in the Punjab Assembly. The proposal to delegate the powers of sub-registrars to Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars was also approved. The formation of agencies to be established under the Punjab Road Safety Authority Act 2023 was approved. The cabinet approved the Measurement Book in the Public Works Department. The Punjab Senior Citizens Welfare Bill 2025 was also approved. Amendments to the Punjab Motor Vehicle Rules 1969 were approved for the provision of reflective number plates. Approval for issuance of Personalized Vanity Plates (PVP) in Punjab/ Reserve Price and Transfer Fee was approved. The provincial cabinet approved the registration of electric vehicles in Punjab. Reward system for officers/ officials and informers of the Excise Taxation and Narcotics Department was approved. Amendments to the Punjab Price Control of Essential Commodities Act, 2024 were approved. The meeting approved the Mines and Minerals Act, 2025, to harmonize the regulatory framework of the mineral resources sector. A service level agreement for technical assistance between the Punjab Information Technology Board and the Higher Education Department was approved. The Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Services Bill, 2025 was approved. The dissolution of the Board of Management of the Punjab Institute of Mental Health, Lahore and the formation of an Administration Committee under the Punjab Medical and Health Institutions Act, 2003 were approved. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
CM Maryam, MPAs discuss welfare projects
LAHORE: 'Together, we have to make Punjab a model province, serving the people is our mission,' said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in a meeting with MPAs Muhammad Ahmed Khan Leghari and Naeem Akhtar Khan Bhabha to discuss progress of ongoing welfare projects, solutions to public problems and development issues of their respective constituencies. She added, 'Education and financial independence of youth are my top priorities.' She highlighted, 'We want to bring benefits of development to every section of the province.' The visiting Members of the Provincial Assembly appreciated Madam Chief Minister's ongoing development and welfare projects in the province. They acknowledged, 'Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has won hearts of people in a short span of time through her transparent governance and revolutionary initiatives.' They added, 'Kisan Card, Minority Card, Ration Card, Humat Card and Education Card are the best measures for equal participation of all in development.' They noted, 'Madam Chief Minister has also won hearts of students with Honahar scholarships, laptops and e-bikes schemes.' MPA Naeem Akhtar Khan Bhabha thanked Madam Chief Minister for starting the construction and expansion project of Multan-Vehari Road. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to start classes at Vehari Girls College on the request of Naeem Bhabha, and tasked the Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat to start these classes after the summer break. She also directed the relevant authorities to bring water scheme project to Fort Monroe on the request of MPA Muhammad Ahmed Leghari. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab Agri Dept, Margalla Heavy Industries Taxila sign MoU
LAHORE: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed Monday between the Agriculture Department Punjab and Margalla Heavy Industries Limited, Taxila, to carry out the repair and maintenance of 20 bulldozers from the field wing of the agriculture department Punjab by the heavy industries. The MoU was signed in the presence of Minister for Agriculture Punjab Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo at a ceremony at the Agriculture House, Lahore. The MoU was formally signed by Director General Field (Agriculture), Sajid Naseer, and Chief Executive Officer of Heavy Industries Taxila, Brigadier Nadeem Ahmed. Brigadier Jawad (r) from Heavy Industries Taxila, Special Secretary Agriculture Agha Nabeel Akhtar, Additional Secretary Agriculture (Planning) Captain Waqas Rasheed, and Additional Director General (Engineering) Multan, Afzal Tahir were also present on this occasion. Following the signing ceremony, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Punjab, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, chaired a review meeting on the Chief Minister's Wheat Support Programme and Kisan Card Phase II. Speaking at the meeting, the Minister stated that under these programmes, disbursement of funds to farmers through the Bank of Punjab will commence on May 22. He was informed that 487,000 farmers have already repaid their loans under the first phase of the Kisan Card scheme. He emphasized that to benefit from all agricultural initiatives of the government, possession of a Kisan Card must be made mandatory. He further noted that the scope of Kisan Card Phase II has been expanded, increasing the loan limit to Rs300,000, eliminating transaction charges, and introducing a facility for diesel purchase. In addition to Kisan Card holders, other farmers are also applying for the wheat support program via the dedicated portal, with 250,000 applications already received. The deadline to apply for this program is May 31. Through the same portal, an additional 100,000 farmers can register for new Kisan Cards. A total of Rs10 billion will be distributed among 500,000 farmers under the wheat support programme. The Bank of Punjab has approved over 542,000 farmer applications for Kisan Card Phase II, and the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) has completed verification for nearly 500,000 of them. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo stressed the need to intensify the awareness campaign across social media, electronic media, and print media to ensure that more farmers can benefit from the government's loans and incentives. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'PML-N also riding same-page horse'
In yet another political crossfire, Punjab information minister turned the guns on coalition partner PPP on Tuesday, this time pushing back against Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah's concerns about Punjab's farmers, advising the party to look in their own backyard before pointing fingers. Reacting to the unrelenting criticism by members of the ruling party despite PPP being a key player in the coalition setup, PPP Information Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chan accused the PML-N of riding high on the "same-page-equation" horse just like the PTI once did. He claimed this was the reason PML-N showed little regard for a numerically commanding ally in the current setup. "As had happened to those on the throne before them, time would make them swallow their pride," he said. However, Chan remained optimistic that the issue regarding the canal would be resolved before things got out of hand. However, if push came to shove, "in the coming ten days, they would know that PPP was ready to walk the talk". When asked if quitting the coalition was the only card left in PPP's hand, he hinted otherwise. "The budget is around the corner, which would require their complete support. Before that, PML-N would resolve all pending issues." Chan termed the continual onslaught against his party as a sign of the PML-N's immaturity. "We are democratic, and we want this system to function uninterrupted. However, unlike PML-N, we are not beneficiaries of this system," he said. Earlier the same day, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari claimed Punjab's progress had become a thorn in the side of two provincial governments. She said that Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah appeared to be more concerned about the farmers of Punjab than those in his own province. The provincial information minister further asserted that Punjab's leadership was fully active in protecting and promoting the rights of Punjab's farmers, and that the province stood as a guardian of its agricultural community. "Are there no farmers in Sindh? Has the Sindh government set an official price for wheat? Has it purchased wheat from its farmers?" Azma's reaction came in response to Murad Ali Shah's recent press conference. She added that Shah and his party had been in power in Sindh for the past sixteen years, and that it was time they reviewed their performance and gave the public an account of their governance. She further accused Murad Ali Shah of supporting protestors who were blocking the main highway connecting Punjab and Sindh, calling it "deeply regrettable". Highlighting Punjab's efforts, Azma Bokhari said that in just one year, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had provided historic packages worth Rs110 billion to farmers. These included the Kisan Card, the Green Tractor Scheme and modern agricultural equipment like the Super Seeder.
