CM stresses wheat need assessment

Cabinet forms committee for consultation on procurement

LAHORE:

The Punjab cabinet has constituted a ministerial committee headed by the food minister for policy input on wheat procurement and related issues. The ministers for finance, agriculture, information and industries will be members of the committee.

It was agreed in a cabinet meeting that the MPAs and all other stakeholders will be consulted before formulating a workable policy in this regard.

Presiding over the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, “It is important to decide on the quantum of wheat cultivation after ascertaining the requirements.”

She added, “Artificial Intelligence and other technologies should be used to pre-determine crop requirements.”

She also said a campaign should be started to install safety guards on motorbikes to protect riders from metallic kite string.

Referring to an incident to the death of two sanitation workers, she said effective legislation would be enacted to ensure the safety of sanitary workers.

The cabinet agreed on a proposal to declare a holiday on Easter for the Christian employees.

A decision was taken to use cameras and AI tools to prevent cheating in examination centres. The chief minister directed the ministers, MPAs, DCs, DPOs and other officials concerned for strict action against all those involved.

The cabinet approved sending recommendation to the federal government for awarding the Quaid-i-Azam Police Medal to ASP Syeda Shahr Bano Naqvi.

It approved extension of the contract of employees of the Punjab Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department working in the Dealer Vehicle Registration System (DVRS), and Motor Transport Management Information System. The CM called for a comprehensive contract policy in this regard.

The participants approved the constitution of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Wheat, and the Food Commodity Financing Committee.

In a meeting with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) Chairman Wang Yaobong, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed her resolve to welcome China's cooperation in agriculture, IT and environmental protection.

“Pakistan and China have maintained the closest and strongest friendship, but there is still a lot of room for improvement in economic ties,” she said.

She added, “There are numerous opportunities for collaboration.”

The chief minister said, “CSCEC's projects in Pakistan demonstrate construction quality and professionalism.”

She said she was grateful to the Chinese corporation for undertaking construction projects like the Arfa Karim IT Tower in Lahore.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, “China's one-window operation system for investment promotion is the best model worldwide.”

She added, “CPEC is China's gift to Pakistan. Punjab government will fully cooperate for the timely completion of CPEC projects.”

The chief minister said, “Sectors have to be identified in which Pakistan's exports can be increased. CPEC projects will create more employment opportunities.”

CSCEC Chairman Wang Yaodong said, “Doors are open for friends; Pakistani friends will be warmly welcomed.” The corporation’s Vice Chairman Umar Farooq Dayal, Li Weimin and other officers concerned attended the meeting.

Solar scheme

Chairing a meeting, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced a plan to give 50,000 solar systems across Punjab under Chief Minister’s Roshan Gharana Programme.

With a budget outlay of Rs12.6 billion, 50,000 protected power consumers using up to 100 units monthly will be given solar systems through balloting in the first phase.

Gradually, home-based solar systems will be provided to other consumers in the province. Each system will include an advanced solar plate, inverter, battery and allied accessories.

The chief minister issued directives to initiate immediate steps for the installation of one-kilowatt solar systems. She also called for bringing in solar systems of the latest technology.

Provincial Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, former senator Pervaiz Rashid, MPA Sania Ashiq, the chief secretary and senior officials concerned attended the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2024.