The Punjab Cabinet has taken significant decisions in its recent meeting. Among the approved measures was the appointment of Ahmed Ali Khan as Chief Executive Officer of the Punjab Skills Development Fund and the nomination of two technical experts, Tahir Masood and Sheikh Muhammad Mahmood, to the Board of the Ravi Urban Development Authority. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the settlement with PAMCO (Punjab Agriculture and Meat Company) and the Iranian company MMIC, and the reconstitution of a 12-member Standing Committee for Universal Health Insurance.
New Appointments and Initiatives Punjab
The Cabinet also approved Asadullah’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer for the Punjab Rural Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation project and the establishment of a Waste Management Company in Sargodha.
They sanctioned the formation of the Punjab Environment and Climate Change Endowment Fund Company and registered it under the Companies Act 2017. They also approved financial assistance for the families of PSP (Police Service of Pakistan) officers who died during service. Additionally, they approved the appointments of Dr. Amjad as Director General of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency and Dr. Talat Nasir Pasha as Director General of the Punjab Agriculture, Food, and Drug Authority.
Statements from the Information Minister Punjab
During a press conference following the Cabinet meeting, Information Minister Uzma Bukhari remarked on the mental distress of an individual imprisoned in Adiala Jail, referring to the organized propaganda purportedly spreading from there across the country. She dismissed allegations of poisoning attempts as baseless. Bukhari noted that the real issue is not who visits the imprisoned person but the nature of the messages being disseminated from the jail, claiming these are part of a systematic campaign by the PTI founder.
Allegations of Propaganda and Hate Speech
Bukhari accused the PTI of inciting hostility and conducting campaigns against state institutions, labeling it as the party’s agenda. She criticized the PTI founder for allegedly not contributing significantly to the nation’s progress, suggesting that his recent behavior is reflective of mental illness. She emphasized national security, stating that Pakistan’s stability is paramount and law enforcement agencies need to address any provocative actions from prison.
Commendation of Maryam Nawaz and Economic Updates
The Cabinet praised Maryam Nawaz, highlighting reductions in prices of essential commodities such as rice, gas cylinders, bread, petrol, cement, steel, and the dollar rate. The Home Department presented an inquiry revealing that PTI members are spreading unrest both inside and outside the jail. Bukhari suggested that the Governor of Punjab should familiarize himself with defamation laws before commenting.
Major Infrastructure Developments
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the largest Multan Road Interchange and initiated the Southern Loop Three (SL3) of the Ring Road after its completion. She directed the toll tax on SL3 to be waived for one month, allowing citizens to travel free. She reviewed the road from Adda Plot to Multan Road Interchange, noting that the SL3 would reduce congestion on city roads.
Meetings with Key Officials
Maryam Nawaz also met with National Assembly member Shaza Manzoor and former MNA Abid Raza Kotla to discuss development projects in Nankana Sahib and Gujrat. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf also met with the Chief Minister to discuss the social services of the Pakistan Navy, praising the Navy’s role in defending the maritime boundaries.Rear Admiral Rizwan Ahmed, Rear Admiral Shahzad Hameed, and Commodore Sajid attended the meeting.
