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Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Punjab govt grants lifetime pensions to widows
Listen to article The Punjab government has raised the provincial minimum wage to Rs40,000 per month and ensured lifetime pensions for widows of government employees. The reforms were adopted during the 28th cabinet meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where a comprehensive 130-point agenda was approved. The cabinet approved the allocation of 1,220 flats for industrial workers in Sunder, Kasur and Taxila labour colonies to be distributed through balloting, while firmly rejecting suggestions to charge workers for housing. It also instructed officials to take immediate steps to construct an additional 3,000 flats free of cost for these workers. وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کی زیر صدارت صوبائی کابینہ کا 28واں اجلاس۔۔۔ — Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) August 5, 2025 Education policy saw a major update with official assessments confirmed for Grade V and formal examinations for Grade VIII. Meanwhile, lifelong pensions were approved for widows of government employees, enhancing social protection. A significant wage reform was also approved, with a uniform minimum monthly salary of Rs40,000 set for 102 categories of skilled, semi-skilled and other workers. In recognition of flood rescue efforts, the CM announced Rs50,000 bonuses for the rescue worker while praising the agency's performance and underscored the government's commitment to supporting frontline workers. Expanding on prison reform, the cabinet sanctioned formal industries within correctional facilities where inmates will receive wages, and directed the establishment of a third-party monitoring system for jail operations. Also Read: Opposition slams govt for Kashmir-like treatment at home To promote private investment, approval was granted for an online petrol pump licence portal requiring only six documents instead of sixteen, enabling investors to obtain NOCs digitally—a move described as a 'historical step' toward ease-of-doing-business. Worker safety was also addressed through the adoption of the Punjab Occupational Safety and Health Rules 2024, marking a first in the province. Maryam ordered the creation of a specialised enforcement force to ensure compliance in high-risk sectors such as construction and sewer operations. She emphasised that enacting laws alone is not sufficient—implementation and enforcement at every level are essential, as the lives of poor workers are invaluable. Government officials further approved child labour restrictions via the Punjab Child Labour (Prohibition) Rules 2024, unified appointment procedures for key university administrators, AI‑based traffic systems set to roll out within 90 days, expansion of WASA services to 13 new cities, paid internships for hospital nurses, and various legislative measures covering recruitment, telecom leasing, sugarcane research and local government acts.
Business Recorder
26-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister vows rights-based laws with global best practices
LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has said that all new legislation must be developed in line with international best practices, uphold human rights principles, and ensure the presence of effective and reliable implementation mechanisms. He expressed these views while chairing a meeting of the Punjab Cabinet Committee on Legislation, Business and Privatisation on Friday. The committee reviewed key proposals submitted by various provincial departments concerning legislative reforms and policy amendments aimed at enhancing public welfare. Prominent among the agenda items were the draft Punjab Child Labour (Prohibition) Rules 2024 and the draft Punjab Occupational Safety and Health Rules 2024. The meeting also discussed and welcomed the proposed twinning agreement between Faisalabad and the city of Shymkent in Kazakhstan, terming it a positive step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting Punjab's global outreach. Additionally, the committee approved the policy framework for the issuance of NOCs for establishing new petrol pumps across the province, aimed at streamlining procedures and ensuring regulatory compliance. Addressing the participants, the minister reiterated that Cabinet committees play a pivotal role in ensuring transparency and effectiveness in legislation and policy formulation. He directed all relevant departments to finalise the proposed measures with a strong focus on public interest and submit them to the full Cabinet for formal approval at the earliest. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
