Lahore: In the 12th meeting of the provincial cabinet, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the government’s commitment to price control and law and order. The meeting saw decisions on significant agenda items, including the approval of development projects and new policies aimed at benefiting local communities and various sectors across Punjab.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, Chief Minister Sharif highlighted the need for local cultivation of vegetables to cut transportation costs and directed the drafting of guidelines for a new housing scheme for artists and the initiation of a paid internship program for fresh graduates. The meeting also approved the Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Program, offering 2,000 students a three-month internship with a stipend of Rs 25,000 per month.

The cabinet gave the green light to the Chief Minister District Sustainable Development Goals Program, under which approximately 3,000 projects—including roads, parks, drainage systems, and clean water facilities—will be completed within a year at a cost of Rs 80 billion. Additionally, the Urban Unit is tasked with using GIS technology to monitor and evaluate these projects.

Further approvals included the enhancement of quarterly stipends for Himmat Card holders to Rs 10,500 and the establishment of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority to improve regulatory functions at various administrative levels. The meeting concluded with the approval of various appointments and the amendment of legal provisions to bolster governance and enforcement measures.