Lahore: The Punjab cabinet has approved a new industrial development and export promotion programme valued at Rs1.995 trillion, aiming to generate over 162,000 jobs. The programme, which involves both government and private sector investments, was presented by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb during the 37th meeting of the provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the programme, named PIYUT, focuses on enhancing industrial infrastructure, cluster development, export competitiveness, and mechanisation in agriculture and livestock sectors through public-private partnerships. It provides support for various industries, including e-business and e-commerce, and includes the establishment of material-testing laboratories and agriculture processing parks in multiple districts.

The cabinet approved several subsidies, including those for the Chief Minister Punjab Green Tractor Programme and an agricultural transformation project in Thal. Additionally, the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar housing programme was approved, with financial support from the Bank of Punjab.

Further decisions included funding for healthcare, traffic fines amendments, and environmental projects. The cabinet also sanctioned the establishment of new educational institutions, recruitment relaxations in various departments, and infrastructure development projects. Among other approvals were the continuation of social welfare schemes and the establishment of a provincial cabinet committee to discuss local government elections.