Cabinet to resist ‘undue meddling’

Punjab CM stresses exercising powers within constitutional limits

LAHORE:

”The government does not believe in conflict with any institution, but undue interference in the executive authority is not acceptable,” the members of the Punjab cabinet agreed on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz asserted while presiding over a cabinet meeting, “It is the responsibility of all of us to uphold sanctity of our office by exercising our powers within the constitutional limits,” she said and added, ”You need not to be apologetic in discussing your constitutional rights and prerogatives.”

The cabinet approved Food Minister Bilal Yasin's proposal to constitute a ministerial committee for making important appointments after meaningful consultation with other stakeholders.

The advocate general briefed the cabinet members that the Constitution has made mutual consultation of the stakeholders indispensable before making important appointments.

According to an official statement, the cabinet ratified the Rock Salt Policy 2022 and amended policy of 2023, calling for the constitution of a committee to decide on the mining leases.

It was also decided that the National Accountability Bureau would be approached against those responsible for corruption in the grant of rock salt leases.

The chief minister said, ”We can't allow looting of precious national resources. Illegal leases of rock salt mining should be suspended immediately.”

She added, ”Do not waste even a single particle of salt, $13 billion worth of rock salt mineral reserves is a valuable asset of the province.”

”If the world can buy our salt at cheap rates and sell it at higher price after value addition, why can't we?” she wondered.

The cabinet gave approval to extend the contract of 23 employees of the Policy and Strategic Planning Unit of the Primary and Secondary HealthCare Department, besides lifting a ban on recruitment against vacant posts.

It also approved presentation before the provincial assembly of the special project and performance audit reports of the Punjab and district governments from 2016 to 2022. Approval was also accorded to the appointment of Bakht Fakhr Behzad as Judicial Member and Chairperson of the Appellate Tribunal of Punjab Revenue Authority.

The cabinet approved the Punjab Government Advertisement Policy 2024 to regulate advertisements in line with the federal government procedures.

Provincial ministers, advisors, the chief secretary, IG of Punjab Police, secretaries and other relevant officers attended the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2024.