Cabinet approves amendments to Motor Vehicles Rules

LAHORE:The 34th meeting of the provincial cabinet, held under the chair of Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi at his office, greenlit revisions to the Motor Vehicles Rules of 1969, extending legal recognition to motorcycle rickshaws.

These rickshaws will now be categorised as three-wheelers, with the regional transport authority designated as a special registration authority for the temporary registration of existing motorcycle rickshaws.

Following temporary registration, motorcycle rickshaws will undergo a four-month window for specific size and redesign modifications. Subsequently, they can obtain a registration number from the excise department upon the issuance of a fitness certificate. The CM emphasised the need to streamline the registration process and requested the forms to be printed in Urdu.

The huddle also sanctioned the permanent fortification of the infrastructure for 18 major roads, allocating toll revenue for their maintenance. Additionally, a decision was made to ring-fence the toll amounts for these roads. Approval was granted to confer medical institution status upon the Dera Ghazi Khan Cardiology Institute under the Punjab Medical and Health Institutions Act of 2003, and an administrative committee was endorsed for its management.

Various measures, including a Rs1 billion operational expenditure, were given the green light for the establishment of a nursing college in Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital, Muzaffargarh, with the chief minister urging the prompt commencement of classes.

The meeting also resolved to convert the 180-bed Rehmatul Lil Alameen block into the Sahiwal Institute of Cardiology, endorsing its imminent functionality. The meeting approved the Data Darbar revamping project, amendments to police rules, and the implementation of pay scales for 2023, aligning them with those of the federal government.

CM launches online learning driving licence App

The chief minister officially launched the online learning driving licence app at his office and appreciated PITB and IG police for their efforts.

Emphasising the significance of the initiative, the CM highlighted the convenience it brings, allowing applicants to effortlessly secure learning driving licences online from the comfort of their homes. Furthermore, he noted that the Punjab government was extending its support by providing facilities for obtaining learning driving licences at patrolling posts, service centres, and the front desks of police stations.

CM lays foundation stone Lady Willingdon Hospital reconstruction project

Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi laid the foundation stone of the Lady Willingdon Hospital reconstruction project on Monday, initiating construction by demolishing the old hospital building's wall with a crane.

Unveiling the plaque, the chief minister marked the beginning of transforming the hospital, established in 1930, into a 230-bed facility at a cost of approximately Rs8 billion. The new building, covering 250 thousand square feet, will be executed by the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) based on the design by the Infrastructure Development Authority Punjab.

During his address, Mohsin Naqvi underscored the commitment to providing necessary facilities for hospitals and rectifying deficiencies instead of solely focusing on fixing doctors. He emphasised the importance of legal earnings for doctors and workers, urging responsible practices and dedication to duty.

Acknowledging the collaboration between FWO and the Punjab government, the chief minister expressed confidence in the quality of construction, asserting a strict commitment to construction standards without compromising quality, even if completion timelines vary.

Naqvi highlighted the significance of the Lady Willingdon Hospital project for the betterment of the health department. He praised the progress in upgrading hospitals.

The chief minister mentioned ongoing efforts to upgrade 100 hospitals by the target date. While a two-year timeframe has been set for the project's completion, he expressed optimism that FWO would complete it within 12 to 15 months. As long as time permits, he pledged to visit the Lady Willingdon Hospital project regularly.

Provincial Minister Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Dr Javed Akram, Secretary Communication and Works Sohail Ashraf, and other dignitaries addressed the event.

Provincial Ministers Amir Mir, Azfar Ali Nasir, Dr Jamal Nasir, Additional Chief Secretary Interior, Brigadier Jamal Maruf of FWO, Secretaries, KEMU Vice-Chancellor, Mayo Hospital CEO, MS Lady Wellington Hospital and related officials were also present on the occasion.