Punjab Cabinet Approves Major Reforms, Job Opportunities, and Welfare Projects
The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has approved a comprehensive package of initiatives aimed at improving governance, creating job opportunities, and enhancing public welfare across the province.
Major Recruitment Drives Announced
The cabinet has given the green light to recruitment drives across various sectors. New vacancies have been approved for:
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Constables in the Riot Management Police
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Staff positions in the Walled City Authority, Punjab Financial Advisory Services, Wildlife and Parks Department, and Punjab Energy Holding Company Limited
In addition, contract extensions have been granted to employees in departments such as Home, Planning & Development, Literacy, and the Multan Center for Combating Violence Against Women. Over 590 project-based staff in the Literacy Department and 31 SPU research unit employees also received contract renewals.
To streamline the recruitment process for healthcare roles, the Punjab Locum Recruitment Act 2025 was passed, easing hiring for clinical and non-clinical positions.
Strengthening Governance and Public Safety
To improve regulatory frameworks, the cabinet approved amendments to the Punjab Drug Rules, Sports Board Punjab regulations, and the Punjab Charities Commission policies. CM Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to intensify action against fraudulent charitable organizations.
For the first time, the Punjab Occupational Safety and Health Rules 2024 were approved, focusing on the safety of sewer workers and construction laborers. A dedicated enforcement team will be created under the Labour Department to implement these rules.
Boosting Investment and Infrastructure
Investors received welcome news as the cabinet approved a simplified online system for setting up petrol pumps, reducing documentation from 16 to just six requirements. This digital platform will speed up the NOC process and attract more private investment.
Urban development is also on the rise with the establishment of WASA in five new divisions and 13 cities. In addition, AI-based traffic management and the Excel Road Management System will be implemented within 90 days to enhance traffic flow and safety.
Social Welfare and Education Reforms
Among the key social initiatives:
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Lifelong pensions for widows of government employees
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Paid internships for nurses in public hospitals
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Industry-based work programs for prisoners, with a focus on fair wages and third-party prison monitoring
To combat child labor, the cabinet passed the Punjab Restriction on Employment of Children Rules 2024. Standardized procedures were also introduced for the appointment of treasurers, registrars, and examination controllers in public universities.
Support for Farmers and Environmental Protection
The Kisan Card program has shown great success with 99% recovery in its first phase. Over Rs. 6.93 billion has been disbursed to 90,000 farmers, with Rs. 47 billion allocated for agricultural inputs. Plans are underway to establish new tractor manufacturing units as part of Punjab’s agricultural modernization drive.
To protect the environment, new regulations have been introduced to safeguard native bird species. Punjab also signed MoUs with Houbara International Foundation and Deer Foundation International to support conservation efforts.
Emergency Relief and Transparency Measures
The cabinet approved Rs. 2.6 billion in emergency relief for flood victims, and praised Rescue 1122 for its effective response during recent crises.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the need for regular audits and third-party monitoring in all departments to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient use of public funds.
