Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday approved the establishment of several healthcare institutions and hospitals in the Nawaz Sharif Medical District (NSMD), while also directing authorities to ensure a reduction in transport and goods fares following today’s massive cut in petroleum prices.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier today announced steep cuts in petroleum prices, reducing petrol by Rs74 per litre and diesel by Rs67 per litre, with the new rates taking effect at midnight.

CM Maryam took these decisions during a meeting to review ongoing and proposed development projects being executed under the public-private partnership model.

Under the approved healthcare expansion plan, seven major hospitals with a combined capacity of 1,519 beds will be constructed in phases to strengthen modern medical facilities in the province.

The meeting reviewed more than 110 development projects, including student hostels, roads, bus terminals and other public welfare schemes.

CM Maryam said the involvement of the private sector would accelerate the pace of development and help ensure timely completion of public projects across Punjab.

She reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to implementing development initiatives under the public-private partnership vision and said the model would play a key role in speeding up infrastructure and service delivery projects.

Transport and goods carriage fares

Separately, the chief minister welcomed the federal government’s decision to reduce petroleum prices and directed relevant authorities to take immediate steps to ensure a corresponding reduction in transport and goods carriage fares across the province.

In a statement, CM Maryam said PM Shehbaz had fulfilled his commitment to pass on the benefits of improved regional conditions to the public through lower fuel prices.

She said protecting the country from a potential energy crisis was a significant achievement of the prime minister and credited the federal leadership for taking timely measures during a challenging period.

The chief minister also praised PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for what she described as effective efforts to shield the country from energy and economic challenges during a difficult phase.