Punjab Announces Rs 2,000 Billion Farm Investment; Info Minister Questions Fazl's TTP Stance

LAHORE: Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bukhari on Sunday said the provincial government’s policies under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz revolve around public welfare, as she announced a Rs 2,000 billion investment plan for agriculture and livestock and criticised political leaders avoiding calling the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan a terrorist organisation.

Speaking at a press conference after the 37th Punjab cabinet meeting, Bukhari said the cabinet reviewed public issues, development projects and economic measures. She paid tribute to soldiers martyred fighting terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling them heroes of the nation.

TTP Stance Questioned

Bukhari expressed regret that some political leaders still avoid declaring the TTP a terrorist organisation. She criticised Maulana Fazlur Rehman, saying political parties that suffered from terrorism should take a clear stance on the issue.

She said love for the country and national interest must come before political affiliations.

KP Mineral Licences Under Scrutiny

The information minister raised questions over mineral licence issuance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. She said 422 licences were issued until 2010, while more than 4,200 licences were issued between 2013 and 2024.

According to Bukhari, nearly 1,000 licences were issued during the tenures of former chief ministers Mahmood Khan and Ali Amin Gandapur. She alleged family interests and family limited companies benefited in some mineral-related matters.

She said strict action was taken on mineral licences at the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, with several licences cancelled and complete record available.

Punjab Crime Claims Rejected

Bukhari said making claims about Punjab’s crime situation without verified statistics was inappropriate. She said attempts were made to create controversy around the province’s performance due to political bias against Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

She said robbery incidents decreased and the chief minister had a zero-tolerance policy on abuse of women and children. Steps were taken for FIR registration and immediate arrest of accused in such cases.

She urged journalists to verify facts before airing news.

Rs 2,000 Billion Agri Investment Planned

The minister said new investment opportunities were being created in agriculture, livestock, skills and exports under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership. She said focus was placed on agriculture and livestock development under the 2026-2030 development programme, with nearly Rs 2,000 billion investment expected.

She said more than 46 investors showed interest in the programme, while over 150,000 employment opportunities were expected.

Made in Pakistan Push

Bukhari said Pakistani products held their identity in global markets, though football, cutlery and other products were often sold abroad under different names. She said focus was now on taking Pakistani products to global markets under their original national identity of Made in Pakistan.

She said pink salt exports would also be promoted with Pakistani identity. Steps were being taken to provide fan testing facilities in Pakistan.

Tractors and Skills Development

The information minister said steps were taken to promote skills under Maryam Nawaz. She said the Pakistan Skills Development Fund facilitated youth employment, with some youth securing jobs in major food chains in Saudi Arabia.

She said the chief minister provided more than 30,000 tractors in her two-year tenure, while the Punjab government would pay Rs 9.5 billion in subsidy under this head.

She said the chief minister launched the Sahiwal beautification project. Steps were underway to establish Parks and Horticulture Authorities in every district, while six clinic-on-wheels vehicles were planned for Gilgit-Baltistan.

1,100 Electric Buses at Rs 20 Fare

Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan said when the Punjab government took charge in 2024, the transport sector needed urgent investment. He said no significant investment was made in the sector from 2021 to 2024.

He said funds for transport were increased in fiscal year 2024-25, while Rs 104 billion were spent on the sector in fiscal year 2025-26.

Bilal Akbar Khan said the Orange Line and metro bus service were already running but had limited facilities. He said a plan was initially made to run electric buses in five cities, later expanded to all Punjab districts.

He said the plan to provide 1,100 electric buses across the province was an important step toward modern, eco-friendly and dignified travel for citizens. He said providing quality travel for only Rs 20 fare reflected Maryam Nawaz’s public-friendly vision.