Islamabad, Feb 12: The Punjab government has approved the introduction of a special student travel card aimed at facilitating students across the province. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The provincial cabinet discussed multiple key initiatives, including a major step to provide free travel facilities for differently-abled individuals and senior citizens within the mass transit system. The Chief Minister has also directed officials to develop a comprehensive plan for launching a tram service in Punjab.
Additionally, a dedicated transport service for differently-abled individuals was agreed upon in principle, ensuring accessible and comfortable travel for all citizens. To boost industrialization, the cabinet approved the ‘Zero Time to Start Policy’ for Special Economic Zones, Industrial Estates, and Small Industrial Estates, expediting the approval process for investors by granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) immediately.
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In a significant move to enhance healthcare facilities, Rs580 million has been allocated for acquiring a Cryoablation machine, a modern alternative to chemotherapy for cancer patients. The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for advanced cancer treatment methods in Punjab.
To strengthen law enforcement, the recruitment of 5,960 constables was approved, along with the relaxation of hiring restrictions for 127 positions within the Mass Transit Authority. Furthermore, 87 new recruitments were sanctioned for the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau.
Addressing the shortage of medical professionals, the cabinet extended the age limit for hiring doctors in Basic and Clinical Sciences to 65 years. Recruitment approval was also granted for 25 ICT staff members in the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education sector, as well as staff for Danish Schools in Tunsa and Mankera.
A supplementary grant was sanctioned to hire personnel for vacant positions in the Forest Department. Additionally, the cabinet agreed to recruit 500 individuals for traffic management in Murree, improving the region’s transport infrastructure.
Another major initiative included the approval of Rs30 billion for the Nigahban Ramadan Package, which is set to benefit nearly 30 million people. To streamline the distribution process, the Chief Minister announced that from next year, an ATM card system will be introduced, allowing beneficiaries to receive Rs10,000 directly, eliminating the need for long queues.
These progressive decisions reflect the Punjab government’s commitment to enhancing public welfare, improving healthcare, and fostering economic growth across the province.
