LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday ordered setting up a new department for narcotics control in the province.

Presiding over a meeting of the Department of Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control, she directed the excise department officials to clear the backlog of registration plates of motor vehicles, says a handout.

“All resourceful people who are not paying tax currently should be brought into the tax net, while tax on houses needs to be rationalised,” she said.

She directed the authorities concerned to prepare an assessment report on the difference in property tax due to mismatch in the properties’ rental values and DC rates.

The chief minister also approved setting up a tax consultancy unit for proper evaluation of tax.

Approves consultancy unit for proper evaluation of tax

During the meeting, the CM was briefed that 13 excise check posts would be established to prevent smuggling of goods and drugs.

She was told that the launch of e-stamped documents for e-registration of vehicles would result in 12.5 per cent increase in tax collection.

Similarly, the revival of opium factory and the review of pharmaceutical companies would add a tax revenue of Rs900 million, the meeting was informed.

Meanwhile, the CM said only vaccinated and tagged animals would be allowed to enter the cattle markets and slaughterhouses.

“Authentic data of cattle should be prepared and regularly updated,” she said and directed the authorities concerned to pay special attention to research and development.

“A new mechanism must be created to increase the export of dairy products,” she said.

The authorities concerned apprised the CM that the upgrade of the vaccine production laboratory would cost Rs360 million.

HOSPITALS: The chief minister decided to launch ‘field hospital and clinic on wheels project’.

She also accorded approval to undertake revamp of rural and basic health centres across Punjab.

The CM presided over the 5th meeting on health reforms in a span of one month in which approval to such an important project was granted along with reconstituting of the health system and reviewing ongoing health projects.

She directed release of Rs16 billion to undertake revamping of projects and upgrade of hospitals.

She said field hospitals should be available in areas where BHUs and RHCs were not available.

“Ultrasound, laboratory test medicines, initial medical check-up, examination of mother & child facilities should be available in the field hospitals.

She also announced launch of 32 field hospitals next month.

US SUPPORT: The Punjab government will receive support from the United States to tackle smog and environmental issues, says Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Ms Aurangzeb says that efforts are underway to combat smog, improve environmental legislation and improve related laws.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2024