LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed frustration with officials for only focusing on areas she visits, criticizing them for poor cleanliness and deteriorating roads. In a meeting, she ordered a three-day deadline to improve road and street conditions in Lahore and announced an anti-encroachment campaign in 18 markets. The CM also emphasized that repair and maintenance of roads should happen regularly without her prompting, noting that roads should be free of potholes and footpaths cleared of illegal parking. She urged for traders’ cooperation in the anti-encroachment drive.
The CM also led a cabinet meeting approving multiple initiatives, including a group marriage scheme to assist 3,000 underprivileged girls, funding for helicopter repairs, e-buses, and new local government rules. The cabinet endorsed the Punjab Forensic Science Act 2024, replacing the 2007 version, and approved age relaxation for police promotions.
To address inflation, the CM ordered price monitoring for flour and chicken, which are currently sold at Rs50-70 above government rates. Additionally, she proposed a plan for an electric taxi service in Lahore.
Under the e-bus project, Punjab will receive 27 e-buses initially, with 680 buses expected by the year’s end. Solar panels with a capacity of 1.2 MW will be installed at parking areas for charging these buses.
For agriculture, the cabinet approved a plan to lease 100,000 acres of land to landless farmers for three to five years.
In a major social welfare initiative, the cabinet approved Punjab’s largest mass wedding program for girls from low-income families. Each bride will receive Rs100,000 through an ATM card and a set of essential items, including furniture and dinnerware. CM Maryam Nawaz suggested expanding the program’s reach.
Meanwhile, Lahore’s livestock relocation efforts saw over 2,500 animals moved out of urban areas, and plans are in place to encourage farmers to remove livestock voluntarily.
