LAHORE: In a pivotal 33rd provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi at the Civil Secretariat, significant decisions were made to bring about key reforms across various sectors.
One of the major announcements involves an increase in driving license fees effective from January 1, with the learner fee surging from Rs 60 to Rs 1000. Additionally, LTV, HTV, and PSV license fees will see an increase. Residents of the US, Canada, and other countries can obtain a license online by paying $100.
In a move towards agricultural reform, the cabinet endorsed a transparent lottery system for allocating government land to landless farmers in Cholistan. A substantial 3,44,000 acres of land will be allocated to landless farmers at subsidized rates.
Further decisions include the approval of a transfer policy for MBBS and BDS students in government medical and dental colleges, doubling the funds for nursing students, and the establishment of PKLI-2 for South Punjab in Multan Institute of Kidney Diseases.
Children’s Hospital Faisalabad will be elevated to the status of a medical institute, and policy frameworks for selecting vice-chancellors at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences were endorsed.
In a cultural context, Jinnah Garden was granted special status under the Punjab Special Premises (Preservation) Ordinance 1985, and the historic Umar Mahal of Chiniot was placed under the management of the Walled City Authority.
The cabinet also approved the revision of shooting licenses and fees under Punjab Wildlife Rules 1974, endorsed an agreement with the National Highways and Motorway Police for the exchange of motor vehicle registration information, and confirmed the decisions of the 10th and 11th meetings of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Legal Affairs and Privatization.
The meeting, attended by provincial ministers, advisors, the chief secretary, inspector general of police, advocate general of Punjab, senior officials, and concerned secretaries, marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to reform and improve various facets of governance in Punjab.
CM Naqvi Takes Swift Action to Address Hospitals Infrastructure Issues
CM Punjab demonstrated proactive leadership by conducting visits to Mayo Hospital, Services Hospital, and the College of Nursing to address infrastructure issues in hospitals.
During the visit, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi noted delays in the upgradation of Children’s Emergency floors at Mayo Hospital and directed the implementation of a three-shift work schedule for expedited progress. He also inspected the Emergency Block of Mayo Hospital, expressing satisfaction with the construction progress and emphasizing a swift resolution to water seepage issues.
Addressing the Services Hospital Upgradation Project and the College of Nursing, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced a Rs 9 crore plan for the renovation and reconstruction of the College of Nursing. He interacted with nursing students, ensuring improvements in accommodation facilities.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the exclusion of the doctors’ cafeteria in the Services Hospital upgradation, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi ordered its inclusion and directed the relocation of administrative offices. He emphasized the need for timely completion of the main building’s upgradation.
The visit, attended by key officials and healthcare professionals, reflects Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s commitment to ensuring the swift and efficient improvement of healthcare infrastructure in the province.
CM Naqvi Congratulates Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Chief Minister Punjab extends hearty congratulations to the Pakistan Women Cricket Team for their historic T20 series victory against New Zealand. Commending the players for their exceptional performance, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi noted that they have etched their names in history by defeating a formidable team like New Zealand on their home ground. He expressed confidence in the team’s strength, stating, “I believe that with a strong team, positive results always follow.”
CM Naqvi Strongly Condemns Peshawar Blast
Chief Minister Naqvi has vehemently denounced the explosion near a school on Warsik Road in Peshawar. He extended heartfelt prayers for the swift recovery of all individuals, especially the children, who were injured in the blast.
