The Punjab government has approved a wide-ranging set of policy decisions, including the procurement of 1,000 electric buses and the creation of thousands of new jobs, as part of a broader development roadmap aimed at inclusive growth across the province.
The decisions were taken during the 32nd meeting of the Punjab cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who described the measures as people-centric and designed to extend facilities from urban centers to rural areas.
Electric Buses and Public Transport Expansion
To strengthen public transport, the cabinet approved the purchase of 1,000 green electric buses and decided to expand e-bus services to the tehsil level. A cashless fare system will be introduced from March 25, while higher fares will apply to cash payments to encourage digital transactions.
Subsidies for electric bus services were also approved to ensure affordability for commuters.
Large-Scale Job Creation Approved
The cabinet authorized major recruitments across multiple departments, including:
-
216 constables in the Excise and Narcotics Department
-
1,000 posts in the Crime Control Department (CCD)
-
980 positions in the Tourism Police
Recruitment restrictions in the tourism and heritage departments were also eased to facilitate faster hiring.
Agriculture and Employment Initiatives
Under the newly launched “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” program, state-owned agricultural land will be allocated for cultivation. The chief minister directed authorities to immediately distribute government land to 50,000 people, emphasizing that public land should generate livelihoods rather than benefit elites.
Health, Education, and Welfare Measures
In the health sector, the cabinet approved:
-
Procurement of ventilators
-
Continuation of specialized healthcare staff
-
Greater autonomy for medical institutions
-
Launch of the Chief Minister Cardiac Surgery Program and Cancer Patient Program
Education and welfare decisions included amendments to the School Management Council policy, establishment of the University of the Punjab’s Potohar Campus in Gujar Khan, and an increase in travel allowances for para-veterinary staff. Legal approval was also granted for payments under the Imam Masjid Honorarium Program.
Tourism, Security, and Governance Reforms
The cabinet directed the organization of horse and cattle shows in all districts and ordered the development of new tourist destinations beyond Murree. Officials also reported the surrender of 141 dacoits in riverine areas and the recovery of abductees using modern surveillance technology.
Additionally, the cabinet approved multiple legislative, administrative, and financial measures covering taxation, women’s rights, disaster management, policing, agriculture, food safety, and social protection.
Addressing the meeting, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that the government’s goal was to ensure equal access to opportunities and services, calling the approved reforms inclusive and citizen-focused.
