Pays Tribute to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for Presenting Best Ever Ramadan Package in Punjab*

Lahore,  : “Due to visible improvements in the price control, prices of commodities are coming down to an unprecedented level,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif while chairing the second meeting of the provincial Cabinet. She added,”Prices of onion and other commodities are coming down fast.”

The Cabinet at the outset was briefed that so far Ramazan Nigahban hampers have been delivered at the doorsteps of more than 35 lakh families across the province. The delivery of Ramadan package will be completed within a week.

The Cabinet members observed that as per the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Ramadan Nighaban Package is a historic initiative. They paid rich tribute to Madam Chief Minister for presenting the best Ramadan package in the history of Punjab.

Madam Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of Chief Secretary and his entire team along with the district administrations for the success of this Programme. She acknowledged,”The entire team worked beyond expectations for Ramadan package and price control.”

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said,” Next year, we will bring a better Ramadan package with the availability of authentic data.”

The provincial cabinet approved budget worth Rs. 4480.7 billion for the FY 2023-24. Rs 655 billion has been allocated for the development expenditures, Rs 20 billion for social security measures, Rs 473.6 billion for health, Rs 596 billion for education, Rs 382 billion for construction, Rs 127.7 billion for local government and
Rs 30 billion for Ramadan Nigahban Package were approved in the Budget of FY 2023-24.

Moreover, estimated budget of Rs 11 billion for the provision of free books, Rs 12.5 billion for Central Business District, Rs 10 billion for PKLI endowment fund, Rs 11.4 billion for the expansion program of hygiene, Rs 264 billion for the payment of wheat debt were also allocated in the Budget.

The Cabinet also approved budget allocations for the special initiatives of the Chief Minister and Rs
25.6 billion for the subsidy on agriculture. It also approved supplementary budget 2023-24, besides extending the budget for July-October, November-February and March 2024.

The provincial cabinet also approved amendments to the Punjab Sales Tax Service Act

The Cabinet appreciated Finance Secretary Mujahid Sher Dil for giving a satisfactory briefing to the IMF team.

Provincial Ministers, Chief Secretary, IG and other senior officers concerned attended the meeting.