LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet on Tuesday made it clear that it would not accept any ‘undue’ interference in the executive authority by another institution.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz presided over the cabinet meeting and maintained that the government did not believe in conflict with any institution, but ‘undue’ interference in the executive authority was not acceptable.

The cabinet’s declaration came in the face of the LHC decision to extend the stay order against distribution of motorcycles by Maryam Nawaz among students. The court has also directed the Punjab government to present a policy keeping in view the environmental impacts.

“It is the responsibility of all of us to uphold the sanctity of our office by exercising our powers within the constitutional limits,” she said while addressing the cabinet.

The advocate general briefed the cabinet members that the Constitution had made mutual consultation of the stakeholders indispensable before making important appointments.

The cabinet approved Food Minister Bilal Yasin’s proposal to constitute a ministerial committee for making important appointments after meaningful consultation with other stakeholders.

The cabinet ratified Rock Salt Policy 2022, Rock Salt Amended Policy 2023, and directed to form a committee to decide on rock salt mining leases. It was also decided to approach NAB against those responsible for corruption in the grant of rock salt leases.

The cabinet also accorded approval to extend contract of 23 employees of policy and strategic planning unit of the primary and secondary healthcare department, besides lifting a ban on recruitment against vacant posts. It also approved presenting before the provincial assembly the special, project and performance audit reports of the Punjab government and district governments from 2016 to 2022.

Approval was also accorded to the appointment of Bakht Fakhr Behzad as judicial member and chairperson of the appellate tribunal of Punjab Revenue Authority.

The cabinet approved Punjab Government Advertisement Policy 2024 to regulate advertisements in print, electronic, cable and digital media in line with the federal government procedures.

Meanwhile, the CM along with father MNA Nawaz Sharif visited Mayo Hospital Children’s Emergency block.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2024