LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet has approved the development of a new government officers’ residences (GOR) scheme in the provincial capital.

The approval came in the 19th cabinet meeting held here on Monday with caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi in the chair, who sought timely steps for the development of the new residential colony.

It also approved the inclusion of the Southern Loop-III project of Lahore Ring Road and the elevated project from Niazi Chowk to Babu Sabu in the annual development plan, while the expansion project of Data Darbar, which would feature a state-of-the-art almonry and enhanced facilities for visitors, was also approved.

The chief minister instructed that the owners of the land acquired for the expansion project be compensated at the market rate.

Medical superintendents of govt hospitals granted financial autonomy

In another significant decision, the cabinet granted financial autonomy to the medical superintendents of all government hospitals in Punjab, enabling them to manage their finances up to Rs10 million, while the establishment of the Nishtar Institute of Ophthalmology & Allied Vision Sciences (IOAVS) in Multan and the revised procedure for the appointment of principals in government colleges were also reviewed.

The cabinet authorised the signing of an agreement between the local government department and the Punjab Information Technology Board for the “Your Municipality, Helpline 1198” project, and gave a green signal to a draft agreement between the excise & taxation department and PITB for scanning of motor vehicle registration documents/files.

It approved amendments to the Punjab Government Rules of Business, 2011 to facilitate the training of public prosecutors. Financial assistance was also okayed for the affected children and families of deceased children in Ahmadpur East tehsil of Bahawalpur.

The audit report for the fiscal year 2022-23 was also approved for the accounts of the Punjab government.

The meeting, attended by provincial ministers, advisers, the chief secretary, the IG police, and others, acknowledged the cleanliness arrangements made through the coordinated efforts of ministers, district administration and solid waste companies during Eidul Azha.

The CM also approved a phased plan for renovating and expanding the shrines of Sufi saints across the province.

In the initial phase, the shrines of Shah Shams Tabriz in Multan, Baba Bulleh Shah in Kasur, Baba Fariduddin Masood Ganj Shakkar in Pakpattan and Syed Azizuddin Pir Maki in Lahore would undergo renovation and expansion.

The phased programme aims to upgrade all the shrines, providing enhanced facilities for the devotees.

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2023