Lahore: The Punjab cabinet has approved the allotment of 1,220 residential flats for industrial workers across the province, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announcing plans to build an additional 3,000 units in the near future.
The decision was made during the 28th meeting of the provincial cabinet, chaired by CM Maryam Nawaz, which reviewed and approved 130 key agenda items. She stated that the flats will be allotted through balloting at Labour Complex Sundar, Labour Colony Taxila, and a designated site in Kasur. Importantly, she rejected a proposal to charge workers for the flats, directing authorities to ensure swift implementation of the housing initiative.
In another major move for labour welfare, the cabinet approved an increase in the minimum wage for workers—skilled, semi-skilled, and in 102 other categories—to Rs40,000. The chief minister also announced a reward of Rs50,000 each for Rescue 1122 personnel involved in flood relief efforts, while the cabinet praised the department’s performance during recent torrential rains.
To enhance workers’ safety, the cabinet approved the Occupational Safety and Health Rules 2024 for the first time in Punjab. CM Maryam Nawaz instructed the Labour Department to form an enforcement force to ensure safety compliance on construction sites and sewer lines. Comprehensive rules to prevent child labour were also passed under the Punjab Restriction on Employment of Children Rules 2024.
The cabinet gave the go-ahead for lifelong pensions for employees’ widows and mandated that prisoners working as labourers in jails be paid wages. The chief minister also directed the establishment of industries within jails and the introduction of third-party monitoring systems to ensure transparency.
In a bid to boost investment, the cabinet approved the establishment of petrol pumps through a simplified process, reducing documentation requirements from 16 to just six. Investors will now be able to apply for NOCs online.
Education reforms were also a focus, with cabinet approval granted for the official conduct of Class 5 assessments and regular Class 8 examinations in Punjab. It was also decided to introduce a uniform procedure for appointing treasurers, registrars, and examination controllers in both public and private universities. Future vice chancellors will need to score at least 80% in the selection process, and top talent may be hired from the market.
The chief minister further directed the launch of an AI-based traffic management system within 90 days and called for the immediate implementation of an Excel Load Management System for Punjab roads. The cabinet also approved the establishment of WASA (Water and Sanitation Agency) in five additional divisions and 13 cities, and greenlit paid internships for nurses in public hospitals.
The wide-ranging decisions reflect the Punjab government’s push for labour welfare, administrative reform, and smart infrastructure under CM Maryam Nawaz’s leadership.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
