The Punjab cabinet emphasized its stance against any unwarranted interference in executive authority by another institution during its meeting on Tuesday.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, presiding over the meeting, reiterated the government’s commitment to avoiding conflicts with any institution but made it clear that excessive interference in executive functions would not be tolerated.
The cabinet’s statement follows a Lahore High Court decision to extend a stay order against the distribution of motorcycles by Maryam Nawaz among students and its directive for the Punjab government to formulate a policy considering environmental impacts.
Addressing the cabinet, Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of exercising powers within constitutional limits to uphold the sanctity of their offices.
The advocate general briefed cabinet members on the constitutional requirement of mutual consultation with stakeholders before making significant appointments.
The cabinet approved Food Minister Bilal Yasin’s proposal to establish a ministerial committee for key appointments, ensuring meaningful consultation with stakeholders.
Furthermore, the cabinet ratified the Rock Salt Policy 2022, Rock Salt Amended Policy 2023, and decided to form a committee to manage rock salt mining leases. The cabinet also decided to pursue action against those involved in corruption related to rock salt leases.
Additionally, the cabinet approved the extension of contracts for 23 employees of the policy and strategic planning unit of the primary and secondary healthcare department. It also lifted the ban on recruitment for vacant positions and approved presenting special, project, and performance audit reports of the Punjab government and district governments from 2016 to 2022 before the provincial assembly.
Moreover, the cabinet approved the appointment of Bakht Fakhr Behzad as judicial member and chairperson of the appellate tribunal of Punjab Revenue Authority.
The cabinet also approved the Punjab Government Advertisement Policy 2024 to regulate advertisements in print, electronic, cable, and digital media according to federal government procedures.
In a separate event, the CM and MNA Nawaz Sharif visited the Mayo Hospital Children’s Emergency block.
