The provincial cabinet met for the fifth time on Wednesday in the chief minister’s office in Punjab, with Maryam Nawaz Sharif serving as the chair.
The cabinet decided that Rs 3,900 per 40 kg of wheat will be the minimum support price for 2023–2024. The 2024–25 Wheat Procurement Policy was also accepted.
“It is my commitment to ensure that the interests of small farmers are protected at all costs,” declared the chief minister. She announced that under the best and most illustrious farmer cards in Pakistani history, small farmers will receive an interest-free loan of Rs 1.5 lakh to purchase agricultural supplies including seeds, fertilizer, and pesticides.
In order to expedite the resolution of criminal cases involving rape, child abuse, domestic violence, energy theft, and other similar offenses, the cabinet recently approved the establishment of Special Speedy Trial Courts in Punjab.
The cabinet was briefed by Advocate General Punjab regarding the proposed changes to the defamation statute and the creation of special trial courts. According to him, the degree in a defamation case needs to be finished in 90 days, and the trial needs to happen in 180 days. In order to prevent complaints of non-receipt and delay, he further stated that defamation notices would be sent out concurrently via major publications, social media, courier service, and registered mail. The cabinet was informed by AGP that the Punjab Assembly would shortly consider this proposal and request approval.
The chief minister praised the action and insisted that there should be an end to the culture of deceit and fabrication. The Alternate Dispute Reservation Act of 2019 changes and the creation of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Legal Affairs were also approved by the cabinet.
The Cabinet also approved the removal of Chairman Drug Court Gujranwala in response to misbehavior charges.
Chief Secretary, IG, provincial ministers, and other pertinent officers were present during the meeting.
