Lahore, 06 August, 2026 (Nosheen): The Punjab Provincial Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, approved a series of important decisions aimed at strengthening local governance, improving public services, enhancing development initiatives, and ensuring administrative reforms across the province. During the meeting, the cabinet approved an allocation of Rs12.52 billion for the conduct of local government elections in Punjab. The cabinet also approved the procurement of one million metric tonnes of wheat from PASSCO at a rate of Rs4,150 per 40 kilograms. The provincial cabinet gave approval for the provision of 5,000 laptops for the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and sanctioned an equity injection of Rs3 billion into the Bank of Punjab to further strengthen its financial position. The meeting also approved budgets for the Chief Minister Health and Population initiatives, supplementary funds for the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar and Apna Khet Apna Rozgar programmes, and the provision of electric buses in various districts of Punjab to promote modern and sustainable transport facilities.

The cabinet endorsed administrative measures related to traffic enforcement and law and order on the Rawalpindi Ring Road, approved matters concerning the Punjab Water and Sanitation Authority Fund, and approved steps to improve the performance of Water and Sanitation Agencies in Lahore and Faisalabad. The meeting further approved amendments to the Punjab Industries Ordinance 2026, the Punjab Local Government (Birth and Death Registration) Rules 2024, and the draft Punjab Assets Management Authority Ordinance 2026. The establishment of the Maryam Nawaz Sharif Medical College and Teaching Hospital in Mianwali was also approved.

The cabinet approved the establishment of the Lahore Heritage Area Revival Board along with the appointment of its chairman. It also decided to ease restrictions on recruitment in various government departments and approved multiple summaries regarding new appointments. Other key approvals included the supply of anti-rabies vaccines to the Government of Balochistan, measures regarding restrictions on provocative speakers, introduction of new child labour rules in Punjab, and legal amendments related to the Motor Vehicle Scrappage and Buy-Back Programme. The provincial cabinet also approved appointments and nominations to various boards and authorities, including the Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority, as part of its efforts to improve governance and accelerate socio-economic development in the province.