LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera) to regulate LPG prices across the province and set a two-week deadline to improve the cleanliness situation.
She sought a report within 24 hours to determine transport fares per kilometer and instructed officials to consider launching free transport in 17 districts where public transport is unavailable. During a meeting, the impact of global oil prices on transport fares was reviewed and a detailed report was presented.
Officials briefed that flour prices in Punjab are lower than in other provinces by Rs427 compared to Sindh, Rs823 compared to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Rs790 compared to Balochistan.
The chief minister urged citizens to avoid purchasing items sold above officially notified prices and directed strict action against hoarding. A review of beautification and upgradation projects across districts was conducted, with directions to complete all projects by June while maintaining quality standards.
In a message on the World Health Day, the chief minister reaffirmed her commitment to providing the best healthcare facilities across the province. She stressed awareness of balanced nutrition, exercise and disease prevention, urging the public to care for both physical and mental health.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Chinese companies — Kunlun Group and Sunder Green Group —met the chief minister. Agreements were reached to begin solar panel manufacturing in Lahore and send 50,000 students to China for advanced vocational and industrial training. Approval in principle was granted for a 1,000-acre industrial estate in Lahore, along with discussions on technology transfer for producing petrochemical products from coal. The projects are expected to generate around 18,000 jobs. The CM reiterated full support for investors, stressing that the government’s role is to facilitate entrepreneurs rather than run businesses.
Following heavy rainfall, the chief minister personally oversaw emergency drainage operations in several cities.
