Industrialists promised facilitation
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has asserted that no hurdles or delays should be created in issuance of no-objection certificates (NOCs) and approvals for industrial projects.
"Whoever wants to establish an industry in Punjab should do so. We will provide full support," she said while addressing a provincial cabinet meeting.
She said industrialists should bring their construction plans and the process of setting up industries would be made easier.
She warned officials against making expenditures without prior approval.
"Spending first and sending bills later is unacceptable under any circumstances. I will not tolerate the mentality of burdening the government with liabilities," she said.
The cabinet paid tribute on the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq to PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, as well as the air chief and naval chief.
It also commended Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for a successful operation in the riverine Katcha areas.
The chief minister appreciated the performance of the finance minister and finance secretary for the swift establishment of the Punjab General Insurance Company (PGIC), which also received formal cabinet approval.
The cabinet approved the launch of the Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar scheme for residents of Cholistan and riverine areas under easy terms and conditions.
It was informed that 30,000 plots had been identified for the programme, while nearly 200,000 families had submitted applications. The chief minister ordered strict digital monitoring of the scheme and said complete information should be accessible to citizens "with one click".
The provincial cabinet also approved the school summer vacation schedule.
Approval was granted for the expansion of the Quaid-i-Azam Business Park (QABP) in Sheikhupura by 200 acres, implementation of an axle load management system across Punjab, and lifting the ban on recruitment in the Punjab Mass Transit Authority.
The cabinet approved the restructuring and capacity enhancement of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), establishment of the Punjab General Insurance Company, and upgrading of the UET sub-campus in Narowal to a university.
The cabinet approved inclusion of hill torrent projects in Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025-26, establishment of a Provincial Traffic Management and Command Centre and launch of the Chief Minister Stroke Management Programme.
Approval was also granted for placing Data Darbar Hospital under the control of the Auqaf Department, establishment of the Aquaculture Authority of Punjab, and transfer of forest land for shrimp estates.
Additional funds were approved for construction of the road from Lala Musa to Maiwana, while the chief minister directed authorities to expedite completion of the project.
The cabinet approved donations for the Prime Minister's Austerity Fund 2026 and abolished transfer fees for motorcycles up to 150cc in a move aimed at providing relief against rising fuel prices.