Punjab Expects Rs1,995 Billion in Industrial Investment, Over 162,000 Jobs; Provincial Cabinet Approves Major Development Initiatives

*LAHORE, October 19:* The Punjab provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has approved a series of major initiatives covering industrial development, export promotion, agricultural mechanisation, housing loans, healthcare, traffic regulations and recruitment across government departments.

Under the Punjab Industrial and Export Development Programme, investment worth Rs1,995 billion is expected to generate more than 162,000 employment opportunities.

At the outset of the 37th cabinet meeting, prayers were offered for the elevation of the ranks of security personnel who embraced martyrdom during operations against terrorists. Prayers were also offered for the forgiveness of the mother-in-law of Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. Rs1,995 Billion Industrial and Export Development Programme

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb presented the Punjab Industrial and Export Development Programme, whose key features were approved by the cabinet.

The programme envisages Rs1,089 billion in public-sector investment and Rs906 billion in private-sector investment.

Its key components include the development of industrial infrastructure, establishment of industrial clusters, enhancement of export competitiveness, improvement of production and supply chains, mechanisation in agriculture and livestock, solar energy adoption, public-private partnerships and skills training.

The programme will provide support and facilities for e-business, e-commerce, garments, leather and footwear, sports goods testing and certification, cutlery, ceramics and the fan industry.

Financial assistance will also be provided to exporters associated with horticulture and floriculture, while measures will be introduced to add value to potato and mango products.

Agricultural processing parks will be established in Sargodha, Khanewal, Okara and Bhakkar. The programme also includes measures to improve wheat, meat and milk production chains, alongside initiatives in tourism and aquaculture.

The cabinet further approved the establishment of horticulture institutions in 20 districts of Punjab. Green Tractor Programme: Subsidies for 20,000 More Tractors

The cabinet approved subsidies for the fifth phase of the Chief Minister’s Green Tractor Programme, allocating Rs9.5 billion for 10,000 tractors.

According to details presented at the meeting, more than 250,000 applications have been received under the scheme. The cabinet also approved a waiver of fees imposed for delays in registration.

The meeting was informed that 25,000 tractors had already been delivered to farmers. According to the government, 44,000 tractors are being provided during the past two-and-a-half years, compared with 10,000 tractors distributed over the preceding 20 years.

The cabinet also approved subsidies for the fourth phase of the Green Tractor Programme for lower-horsepower tractors, under which another 10,000 tractors will be provided. Rs7.6 Billion Subsidy for Agricultural Transformation in Thal

The cabinet approved a subsidy of Rs7.6 billion for an agricultural transformation project in the Thal region.

The initiative will cover 10,000 acres of agricultural land in Mankera and Layyah, with provisions for modern irrigation systems, solar energy, water storage and other agricultural facilities. Apni Chhat Apna Ghar: 40,000 Housing Loans

The provincial cabinet approved the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing programme, under which the Bank of Punjab will provide 40,000 loans through a Rs60 billion financing arrangement.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif rejected a proposal to impose stamp duty under the programme, aimed at facilitating access to housing finance. Healthcare Funding and Mobile Clinics

The chief minister directed the immediate payment of outstanding dues required to make medical equipment functional in hospitals. The cabinet also approved funds for relevant expenditures of the provincial health department.

In another decision, the cabinet approved the donation of six Clinics on Wheels vehicles to Gilgit-Baltistan and 15 to Azad Jammu and Kashmir to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas. Higher Traffic Fines Approved

The cabinet approved amendments to traffic fines under the Punjab Ring Road Authority framework.

The amendments provide for substantial increases in penalties for speeding, carrying loads exceeding prescribed weight limits, violating pedestrian crossing rules and committing other traffic offences. Recruitment Across Government Departments

The cabinet approved relaxation of the recruitment ban for a total of 3,923 positions in the Suthra Punjab Authority and Agency.

Recruitment to 17 vacant positions in the Punjab Social Protection Authority was also approved.

The cabinet further approved relaxation of the recruitment ban for the Border Military Police and Baloch Levies in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur. New recruitment in the intelligence wing of the Special Branch was also approved, along with recruitment to 79 positions at the Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre.

Other decisions included the creation and transfer of 70 positions for the project management unit of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, and recruitment to 16 positions in the Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Department.

The cabinet also approved the establishment of a special recruitment committee to support the promotion of international investment in Punjab.