Free public transport for seniors and students in Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired the 24th meeting of the provincial cabinet, where several far-reaching decisions were approved in what officials described as one of the most extensive agendas to date.

The Punjab cabinet approved several public welfare initiatives, including free travel for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. A proposal to introduce transport cards for students was also discussed.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed officials to take immediate steps to lower poultry prices. She approved special investigation units to handle sexual assault cases and called for stronger prevention strategies.

To improve regional connectivity, the cabinet approved the construction of airports in Bhakkar and Bahawalnagar. An airstrip in Bhakkar will support an air ambulance service, and discussions are ongoing for launching a Punjab airline.

Traffic fines enforcement was also discussed, with officials instructed to ensure strict recovery and adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward defaulters. Legal reforms were requested to streamline Punjab’s judicial system.

The cabinet welcomed the appointment of Amjad Pervaiz as the new Advocate General. Maryam Nawaz emphasized that all appointments must be made on merit and withstand public scrutiny.

She rejected a proposed restriction on cultivating two rice crops annually, supporting farmers instead. The cabinet also approved adjusting 664 visually impaired persons on daily wages to promote social inclusion.

The chief minister highlighted the success of the Nigehbaan Ramazan Package, benefiting over 2.5 million households. She announced plans to distribute ration cards to 1.5 million more families soon.

Other approvals included strengthening riot management, establishing a crime control department, and increasing penalties for arms and fertiliser regulation violations. The cabinet also waived birth and death certificate registration fees for a year.

In health and education, hiring was approved for a cardiac center in Rahim Yar Khan and a World Bank-backed school grading system. New positions were sanctioned for early childhood education and Lahore’s Children’s Library Complex.