CM Maryam Approves Up to 40% Relief in Power Tariffs in Punjab. In a historic move, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved up to 40% relief in power tariffs for Punjab consumers. The decision was made during the 26th provincial cabinet meeting held on June 3, 2025, where 101 major agenda items were discussed.
The move marks Punjab as the first province in Pakistan to voluntarily reduce electricity rates to ease the financial burden on citizens and industries.
40% Relief in Electricity Tariffs
Under the Chief Minister’s directions, the Punjab cabinet approved major tariff cuts for:
- Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power Private Limited
- Punjab Thermal Power Private Limited
This initiative aims to reduce electricity bills for households, small businesses, and industries struggling with high energy costs.
CM Maryam’s Vision
Maryam Nawaz stated that the people of Punjab have placed great trust in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership, and her government will continue to honor this trust through performance-driven governance and public-centered reforms.
Cabinet Applauds PML-N Victory
The cabinet also celebrated the PML-N’s victory in the Sambrial by-election, where the party won nearly 80% of rural constituencies.
CM Maryam Nawaz praised Provincial Minister Zeeshan Rafique and Special Assistant Zeeshan Malik for their effective campaign efforts that energized voters—especially farmers, youth, and women.
Key Highlights of CM Maryam’s Cabinet Decisions
| Sector | Initiative / Decision | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Up to 40% electricity tariff relief | For consumers through Quaid-e-Azam & Punjab Thermal Power |
| Agriculture | Rs. 5,000 per acre subsidy | Paid to 514,000 farmers; more in process |
| Education | Rs. 40 billion development plan | New classrooms, labs, furniture, and sanitation in schools |
| Health | New Nawaz Sharif Medical City (5,000 kanals) | Specialized hospitals, blood centers, parks & facilities |
| Transport | “Air Punjab” launch + Electric Buses | Green transport for nine divisions |
| Welfare | Ration cards for workers | Labour & miner safety measures |
| Autism Care | Punjab Autism School & Resource Centre Act 2025 | Equal access for all children |
| Environment | Eco-tourism projects | In Changa Manga, Lal Sohanra & National Park |
| Law & Policy | Multiple new Acts 2025 | Senior Citizens, Mines & Minerals, Price Control reforms |
Major Development Decisions in Cabinet Meeting
1. Power Sector Reforms
The most impactful announcement was the electricity tariff reduction of up to 40%, setting a national precedent for relief-driven energy reforms.
2. Agriculture and Farmer Support
To uplift the agricultural community, CM Maryam approved the Chief Minister Wheat Program 2025, continuing support to farmers through the Kisan Card initiative.
- Rs. 5,000 per acre has already been transferred to over 514,000 farmers.
- Another 500,000 farmers are awaiting disbursement after verification.
- Rs. 63 billion has been distributed under phase two of Kisan Card.
Education Sector: Rs. 40 Billion Infrastructure Upgrade
Maryam Nawaz announced a Rs. 40 billion plan to provide essential facilities across public schools in Punjab.
This includes:
- Construction of toilet blocks and classrooms
- Provision of new furniture and lab equipment
- Improved school infrastructure for better learning environments
Punjab Autism School and Resource Centre Lahore Act 2025
The cabinet unanimously passed the Punjab Autism School and Resource Centre Lahore Act 2025.
This Act ensures that children with autism receive equal educational opportunities without discrimination. CM Maryam directed that the institution must be inclusive and well-equipped to serve special children’s needs.
Health Sector: Nawaz Sharif Medical City in Lahore
A groundbreaking project, the Nawaz Sharif Medical City, was approved on 5,000 kanals in Lahore.
It will include:
- Specialized centers for blood diseases and bone marrow transplants
- A children’s hospital
- Urban forest, parks, food courts, and family areas
A global healthcare institution has already shown interest in establishing a children’s hospital within this medical district.
Transport Revolution: Air Punjab and Electric Buses
In a major step towards green mobility, CM Maryam Nawaz announced:
- Launch of “Air Punjab Private Limited”, Punjab’s first provincial airline, within one year.
- Electric buses across nine divisions, with charging stations in major cities.
- Upgradation of bus shelters in Lahore, and establishment of depots at Thokar Niaz Baig and Lahore Railway Station.
These initiatives are designed to reduce traffic congestion and urban pollution while creating employment opportunities.
Worker Welfare and Labour Reforms
The Chief Minister showed serious concern about worker safety.
She directed the Labour Department to:
- Ensure the distribution of safety gear for high-risk jobs (like construction & sewer cleaning)
- Issue ration cards for registered workers and miners
- Enforce strict compliance with occupational safety laws
Environment and Eco-Tourism Development
Punjab’s eco-tourism potential is being revived under new cabinet decisions.
Projects have been approved for:
- Changa Manga Forest Reserve
- Lal Sohanra National Park
- National Park Eco Zones
These initiatives will promote sustainable tourism, environmental education, and wildlife preservation.
Social Welfare and New Laws Approved
The Punjab Cabinet also approved several new laws and policies to strengthen governance:
- Punjab Senior Citizens Welfare Bill 2025
- Mines and Minerals Act 2025
- Punjab Price Control of Essential Commodities Act 2024 (Amendment)
- Punjab Public Awareness & Information Dissemination Act 2025
- Punjab Primary & Secondary Healthcare Services Bill 2025
Administrative changes were made, including the dissolution of the Board of Management at the Punjab Institute of Mental Health, replaced by a new administration committee.
Financial & Governance Reforms
The cabinet approved multiple financial and governance initiatives:
- Rs. 400 million grant-in-aid for Punjab Journalist Housing Foundation to pay RUDA for Lahore Press Club Housing Scheme Phase-II.
- Implementation of the Electronic Warehouse Receipt System (EWR) for farmers.
- Launch of the Punjab Defined Contribution Pension Scheme.
- Introduction of personalized vanity number plates and electric vehicle registration.
- Supplementary grants for Ramzan Bazaars 2022 and motorcycles for field staff.
Commitment to Transparency and Efficiency
CM Maryam emphasized that every initiative reflects her government’s commitment to transparency, service delivery, and economic empowerment.
She reiterated her goal of turning Punjab into a model province for welfare, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Conclusion
The 26th Punjab Cabinet Meeting chaired by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif marks a new era of reform and public relief. From 40% electricity tariff reduction to wheat farmer subsidies, education reforms, green transport, and special education laws, every initiative reflects a citizen-first approach.
Maryam Nawaz’s leadership continues to transform Punjab into a modern, welfare-oriented, and sustainable province.
FAQs
1. How much power tariff relief has been approved in Punjab?
Up to 40% reduction has been approved for consumers through provincial power companies.
2. What is the Punjab Autism School and Resource Centre Act 2025?
It ensures inclusive education for all children with autism in Lahore without discrimination.
3. What is Air Punjab Private Limited?
A new provincial airline project by CM Maryam Nawaz to connect Punjab cities and promote tourism.
4. How is the Punjab government supporting farmers?
Farmers are receiving Rs. 5,000 per acre subsidies and benefits through the Kisan Card and Wheat Program 2025.
5. What are the major education reforms announced?
A Rs. 40 billion plan to upgrade infrastructure, classrooms, labs, and basic facilities in public schools.
