The Punjab cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has approved a historic relief package for flood-affected families, farmers, and communities across the province.

In a meeting that finalised a 171-point agenda, the government pledged millions in financial assistance, tax waivers, and new welfare initiatives, while also emphasizing that the cabinet’s duty is to stand with the people in their suffering.

Relief package for flood victims

The cabinet’s relief plan includes direct compensation for families who lost loved ones or suffered property damage:

Rs1 million for families of deceased flood victims
Rs500,000 for those permanently disabled
Rs300,000 for those with minor disabilities

For housing losses:

Rs1 million for complete destruction of a brick house
Rs300,000 for partial damage of a brick house
Rs500,000 for full collapse of a katcha (mud) house
Rs150,000 for partial collapse of a katcha house

For livestock losses:

Rs500,000 for the death of large animals
Rs50,000 for small animals

Relief cheques will begin distribution from October 17.

Support for farmers and tax waivers

Farmers hit by devastating crop losses will receive Rs20,000 per acre for up to 25% crop damage. Additionally, the government waived irrigation and agricultural income tax in 2,855 villages.

Maryam Nawaz stressed that no construction will be allowed in river channels in order to prevent repeat devastation.

Praise for rescue and relief efforts

The chief minister acknowledged that Punjab had never seen such a severe flood before. She praised the efforts of ministers, deputy commissioners, police, PDMA, rescue teams, and civil defense volunteers. "Entire cities, including Narowal and Muzaffargarh, were affected by floods," she remarked.

Civil defense volunteers will now receive a salary increment of Rs15,000 in recognition of their service.

New public welfare initiatives

The cabinet approved several new welfare projects, including:

Maryam Nawaz Ration Card Pilot Project in Lahore
Interest-free electric taxi project
Provision of e-bikes for athletes under Sports Punjab

The chief minister emphasized that the cabinet is not meant to “sit in offices but to share in the sorrow of the people.”

Educational and health reforms

The cabinet gave the green light for:

Recruitment of college teaching interns across 8,084 colleges in Punjab
Recruitment of school teaching interns
Appointment of additional judges for the judiciary
MBBS fee fixed at $10,000 for overseas Pakistanis
Mandatory MDCAT test for MBBS candidates from other provinces
Reducing tax on rent-a-car service to 15%

Maryam Nawaz directed that no health or education projects in Punjab should be stalled.

Energy and economic decisions

The cabinet approved a reduction of Rs2 per unit in Punjab’s solar power rate.

Other economic decisions included:

Reduction of car service tax to 15%
Order to stop LDA from imposing a new tax on beauty parlours

Maryam Nawaz also ordered preparations ahead of the smog season and directed all filtration plants across Punjab to remain operational, including those managed by NGOs.

Rejected and deferred agendas

The meeting rejected the Constitutional Bill 2025 and an agenda item seeking recruitment of support staff in the Chief Minister’s Office.

A special research committee was also ordered for the nomination of board members.

Condemnation of fake news

The cabinet condemned the trend of spreading misinformation against Punjab. Officials underlined that despite Punjab facing its most devastating flood, the province recorded the lowest death rate, thanks to timely government interventions.

CM's closing remarks

Maryam Nawaz concluded the meeting by reiterating that empowering youth through cabinet positions was the right decision and that the government’s top priority remains the welfare of flood victims and long-term recovery of Punjab.