Punjab Cabinet Approves Key Measures, Including Vehicle Registration Campaign and Speed Limit for Motorcycles

Islamabad:The Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has made significant decisions in its 22nd meeting, including the launch of a vehicle registration campaign across the province and the imposition of a speed limit of 60 kilometers per hour for motorcycles.

One of the key decisions was the approval of a law amendment to enforce motorcycle inspection and certification every 12 months. Additionally, the cabinet approved the *Punjab Hindu Marriage Act* and its registration rules for 2024.

**Emergency Measures for Cotton Production**
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed emergency actions to increase cotton production, which has been impacted by climate change. Efforts to address the decline in sugarcane production were also discussed.

**Approval of ‘Punjab Aasaan Karobar Finance’ Scheme**
In another major decision, the provincial cabinet approved the first-ever *Punjab Aasaan Karobar Finance* scheme. Under this initiative, the government will offer free land and interest-free loans of up to 3 crore rupees. The aim is to facilitate 100,000 new business startups across the province. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of providing business plans for these startups.

**Electric Vehicle Infrastructure**
The cabinet also approved the establishment of charging stations for electric vehicles across Punjab. The Chief Minister has asked for a comprehensive electric vehicle policy to be developed.

**Rejection of Changing Name of Qaddafi Stadium**
The proposal to change the name of Qaddafi Stadium was rejected by the cabinet. Additionally, the Chief Minister praised the success of the *Honhaar Scholarship* program, which has seen excellent student participation, and ordered an increase in the number of laptops distributed, raising the total to 40,000.

**Kissan Cards and Financial Support**
The Punjab Cabinet approved an increase in the number of *Kissan Cards* from 500,000 to 750,000 and raised the cash withdrawal limit to 30%. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that Punjab’s farmers have benefitted greatly, with a record 46 billion rupees spent through these cards.

**Dialysis Program and Overseas Pakistanis Court**
The *Punjab Chief Minister Special Initiative for Dialysis Program* was approved, increasing funds for dialysis patients from 7 lakh to 10 lakh rupees. A special court will also be set up for overseas Pakistanis to resolve property-related issues.

**Various Other Approvals**
The cabinet also approved financial assistance for a citizen from Balochistan’s Barkhan district and agreed to increase the seed money for a journalist support fund. The *Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research Act 2024* was also passed.

In terms of employment, the cabinet approved recruitment for 340 positions in the Special Education Technical Cadre and for positions at the Forest Services Academy in Ghora Gali and the Punjab Forest School in Bahawalpur.