LAHORE: The 29th meeting of the Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, set a new record with the discussion of 171 agenda items.
During the meeting, the provincial cabinet approved the final relief package for flood victims. It was decided that the distribution of financial assistance cheques will begin on October 17. Families of those who lost their lives in the floods will receive compensation of Rs 1 million each, while individuals suffering permanent disabilities will receive Rs 500,000, and those with minor disabilities will be given Rs 300,000.
For fully collapsed permanent houses, compensation of Rs 1 million will be provided, for partially damaged permanent houses Rs 300,000, for fully collapsed mud houses Rs 500,000, and for partially damaged mud houses Rs 150,000. Compensation for the loss of livestock has also been approved, with Rs 500,000 for large animals and Rs 50,000 for smaller animals.
The cabinet made a policy decision to provide Rs 20,000 per acre for 25 percent crop damage and decided to waive Abiana and agriculture income tax in 2,855 villages across Punjab. It was emphasized during the meeting that all affected individuals will receive aid, and no construction will be allowed in river pathways.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif praised the efforts of the entire team involved in rescue and relief operations during the floods. She expressed appreciation for Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Uzma Bukhari, Khawaja Salman Rafique, Imran Nazir, Kazim Pirzada, Rana Sikandar Hayat, and Sohaib Bharth.
She also announced a monthly salary increase of Rs 15,000 for Civil Defence volunteers in recognition of their outstanding services during the flood emergency. The cabinet condemned the spread of false narratives against Punjab and appreciated the efforts made to save both human lives and livestock. It was highlighted that despite this being one of the most severe floods in Punjab’s history, the death rate remained the lowest.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that Punjab had never before experienced such a devastating flood, with entire cities including Narowal and Muzaffargarh being severely affected.
She commended the relentless efforts of ministers, deputy commissioners, police, rescue services, PDMA, and Civil Defence. She remarked that the decision to empower young people within the cabinet had proven correct, reiterating that ministers and cabinet members are not meant to sit in offices but to stand by the people during their hardships. She highlighted that treating 1.15 million flood victims was a remarkable achievement and emphasized that all provinces are equal and deserving of respect.
She noted that Punjab has always stood with other provinces in times of crisis, keeping its heart and resources open, and expects the same solidarity in return.
A introduction of interest-free electric taxis in the city. Recruitment of 8,084 college and school teaching interns across Punjab was also approved. Additionally, the cabinet extended the contracts of 14 project-based employees in the Energy Department’s Reconciliation Cell, relaxed the recruitment ban on 25 positions in the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority, and approved relaxation for hiring Regional Directors in the Counter Terrorism Department.
Furthermore, the cabinet gave in-principle approval for 444 positions in 10 sensitive districts to enforce environmental laws and prevent stubble burning, 77 positions in the Punjab Transport Company, 379 additional district and sessions judges, and 872 civil judges-cum-magistrates. Approval was also granted for providing e-bikes to athletes under the “Kheelta Punjab” initiative.
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