| LAHORE: The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, held its 19th Cabinet meeting and approved the establishment of the province’s first ‘Punjab Road Safety Authority’ (PRSA). The authority aims to standardize road infrastructure, improve road safety measures, and establish driving training schools, according to a statement released on Thursday. The PRSA will also supervise a newly established motor transport agency, aiming to reduce Punjab’s high traffic accident rate, which currently stands at a concerning 10% daily death ratio.
The transport minister will lead a special 14-member committee for the PRSA, which is tasked with implementing these safety and infrastructure improvements.
Read: Punjab Cabinet approves underground mass transit system for Lahore
In addition to road safety measures, the cabinet approved various cultural, infrastructure, and social development initiatives. Among these, the Artists Khidmat Card grant was increased to provide additional support for artists across the province. It was also decided to transfer authority over the Lahore Arts Council Endowment Fund to the Minister for Information. In a gesture of support for the arts community, CM Maryam Nawaz inquired about the health of actor Shafqat Cheema, who has been unwell.
Further approvals focused on the improvement of civic infrastructure, including the allocation of funds to upgrade sewerage and rainwater drainage systems across several Punjab cities. Five deputy commissioners were awarded certificates and two months of honorary salary for their exceptional performance in meeting key performance indicators, with Bahawalnagar DC Zulfikar Ahmed receiving top honors. |
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