Punjab Sets Wheat Support Price at Rs 3900, Introduces Special Courts for Rape and Child Abuse Cases

Karachi, In a significant move aimed at bolstering the agricultural sector and enhancing the legal system for more sensitive cases, the Punjab provincial cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has announced a set of decisive measures. The cabinet, convening for its fifth meeting in Lahore on April 3, has set the support price of wheat for the year 2023-24 at 3900 rupees per maund. Additionally, the cabinet has taken a groundbreaking step by approving the establishment of Special Speedy Trial Courts dedicated to expeditiously handling cases of rape and child abuse.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the meeting was marked by the approval of several other critical initiatives, including the amendment of the defamation law aimed at curtailing the culture of false allegations. The new defamation law stipulates that the degree of defamation must be resolved within 90 days, with the trial concluding within 180 days. Notices for defamation cases can now be served through major newspapers, social media platforms, and courier services.

In an effort to protect the interests of small farmers, Chief Minister Sharif announced the provision of one and a half lakh interest-free loans for agricultural interventions. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to empower small-scale farmers and ensure their viability in a challenging economic landscape. Additionally, the cabinet approved the introduction of what has been described as the best and most historic Kisan (Farmer) card in Pakistan’s history.

Other significant decisions taken during the meeting include the approval of the Wheat Procurement Policy for the year 2024-25, the establishment of a Cabinet Standing Committee on Legal Affairs, amendments to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act 2019, and the removal of the Chairman of the Drug Court in Gujranwala due to complaints of misconduct. The meeting saw the attendance of provincial ministers, the Chief Secretary, the Inspector General of Police, and other relevant officials, all coming together to address and enact measures for the betterment of Punjab’s social and economic framework.