Punjab Cabinet Approves Housing, Green Tractors, and Children’s Heart Surgery

In a pivotal 15th meeting of the Punjab Cabinet, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif spearheaded several major decisions aimed at addressing housing, agriculture, and health issues in the province.

The Cabinet approved the launch of three significant projects:

1. “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” Project: This initiative will provide housing solutions, with uniform front designs for new homes being approved. Chief Minister Sharif has instructed that the first installment of housing loans be personally delivered by ministers.
2. Chief Minister Green Tractor Program: The program will offer 9,500 tractors to farmers, with a subsidy of PKR 1 million per tractor for those owning up to 50 acres of land. The program is set to commence on September 20, with a lottery draw scheduled for October 20.
3. Children’s Heart Surgery Program: This program aims to expedite 12,000 pending heart surgeries for children. Chief Minister Sharif has also directed the invitation of international surgeons to assist with the surgeries and mandated the Health Minister to monitor the program closely.

In addition to these projects, the Cabinet approved new regulations to address illegal activities:

• Enhanced Penalties for Illegal Weapons and Kite Flying: Amendments to the Punjab Arms Ordinance 1965 will introduce imprisonment of 3 to 5 years and fines ranging from PKR 500,000 to 700,000 for illegal weapons. The Kite Flying Ordinance 2001 will also impose similar penalties for the manufacturing and distribution of kite-flying equipment.
• New Housing Loan Scheme: For the first time in Pakistan, housing loans will be issued against property ownership papers and identity card copies. Borrowers will need to repay PKR 14,000 monthly over nine years for a loan of PKR 1.5 million. This scheme will operate under a revolving fund with no additional charges.

The Cabinet also approved the formation of the Punjab Life Insurance Company and the MD Cat policy for medical and dental colleges.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the urgency of addressing children’s heart health and ensuring that the benefits of these programs reach the people of Punjab effectively.