Lahore: The Punjab cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, on Tuesday approved a historic relief package to support flood-affected families, farmers, and communities across the province.
The package includes millions in direct financial aid, tax waivers, and welfare initiatives aimed at accelerating recovery and rebuilding efforts. The cabinet also finalized a 171-point agenda, with the relief plan taking top priority.
Under the package, families of deceased flood victims will receive PKR 1 million each, while those with permanent disabilities will get PKR 500,000 and those with minor disabilities PKR 300,000. For housing losses, compensation will include PKR 1 million for fully destroyed brick houses, with varying amounts for partially or fully damaged mud houses. Compensation for livestock losses has also been approved, with PKR 500,000 for large animals and PKR 50,000 for smaller ones. The distribution process will begin on October 17.
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Farmers who suffered crop damage will be compensated at PKR 20,000 per acre for up to 25% losses. The government has also announced a waiver of irrigation and agricultural taxes in 2,855 flood-hit villages.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz praised the efforts of rescue teams, civil defense volunteers, and local administration officials for their work during the floods. To acknowledge their contribution, the government approved a PKR 15,000 salary increase for volunteers.
The cabinet also approved several new welfare and development initiatives, including the Maryam Nawaz Ration Card Pilot Project in Lahore, an interest-free electric taxi program, and the provision of e-bikes for athletes.
Educational reforms were endorsed, such as the recruitment of teaching interns and the decision to fix MBBS tuition fees for overseas students at USD 10,000. On the energy front, the cabinet approved a PKR 2 per unit reduction in the solar power rate and cut taxes on rent-a-car services to 15%.
The meeting also rejected the Constitutional Bill 2025 and postponed decisions on some recruitment matters. Officials condemned the spread of fake news regarding the provincial government’s flood response.
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Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her government’s commitment to long-term rehabilitation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development, assuring continuous efforts to rebuild flood-affected areas and support affected communities.
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