The Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, have withdrawn the no-hiring rule for the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA).
The Punjab government on May 11 approved a wide range of policy decisions, development projects and administrative reforms during a provincial cabinet meeting chaired by the Punjab CM.
One of the key decisions was the lifting of the recruitment ban in the PMTA, allowing new hiring for the department.
The cabinet also approved summer vacations in schools from May 22 to August 24, 2026.
The meeting discussed several welfare and infrastructure initiatives across the province, including a new housing and employment programme for residents of Cholistan and riverine areas under the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” scheme.
Officials told the cabinet that around 30,000 plots had been identified for the programme, while nearly 200,000 families had already applied.
Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to ensure strict digital monitoring so applicants could access information easily.
The cabinet also approved the expansion of Quaid-e-Azam Business Park in Sheikhupura by 200 acres and endorsed the implementation of an axle load management system across Punjab to regulate overloaded vehicles on roads.
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Other decisions included restructuring the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), upgrading the UET Narowal sub-campus into a full engineering university and establishing the Punjab General Insurance Company.
The meeting further approved several healthcare and transport initiatives, including the launch of a Chief Minister Stroke Management Programme and the creation of a Provincial Traffic Management and Command Centre.
In the agriculture and environment sectors, the cabinet approved the establishment of the Aquaculture Authority of Punjab and allowed the transfer of forest land for shrimp farming projects.
Authorities also approved additional development funding for roads in several districts, including Sheikhupura, Sahiwal, Mianwali and Faisalabad.
The Bank of Punjab (BoP) was named the financial agent for the province’s Clean Air Programme.
Relief measures announced during the meeting included the abolition of transfer fees for motorcycles up to 150cc and targeted fuel subsidies for motorcycle riders and Kisan Card holders.
The cabinet also approved a number of legal and institutional reforms, including amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, the Punjab Control of Ghunda and Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2025 and the establishment of the Punjab Film City Authority.
Speaking during the meeting, Maryam Nawaz instructed officials to speed up approvals and no-objection certificates for industrial projects.
She said investors wanting to establish industries in Punjab should receive full support and warned departments against creating unnecessary delays.
The chief minister also directed departments to avoid unauthorised spending, saying expenditures without prior approval would not be tolerated.
The cabinet additionally approved Punjab’s New Energy Vehicle Policy and endorsed a partnership with Lahore Qalandars for anti-smog awareness campaigns.
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