Addressing the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali reaffirmed commitment of his government to provide maximum possible relief to the people especially to the lower income groups.
He directed the Finance Ministry to accelerate the process of consultations with all sections of the society putting together budgetary proposals that are investor and people friendly at the same time.
Reviewing a presentation by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the Prime Minister expressed serious concerns over continued encroachment on state land and unauthorised construction of houses and shops posing hazard to the environment, and creating traffic and security problems.
Holding successive regimes and administrations responsible for massive violation of zoning laws in Islamabad, Jamali directed that at least 500 metres be kept clear on either side of the Islamabad Highway from any construction.
He asked the Capital Development Authority to remove all unauthorised constructions falling within 500 metres on either side of the highway and ordered that authorities should ensure that such encroachments do not recur.
The Prime Minister also directed early completion of road between airport roundabout and Rewat crossing and asked the Capital Development Authority to make a detailed presentation before the cabinet on all issues relating to CDA with special focus on avoidance of unplanned growth both in the urban and rural areas of the Islamabad capital territory.
He also ordered CDA to submit proposals for settlement and resettlement of the residents of Katchi Abadis in and around Islamabad with provision of all basic necessities.
The cabinet approved amendments to the Decorations Act, 1975 to provide for institution of a new order of Madar-e-Millat in the schedule of civil awards for commendable outstanding service in the fields of health, education and social welfare.
The cabinet also approved a Draft Bill to provide for the protection of coastal regime and Eco system, and safe navigation for vessels by maintaining navigable paths in waterways, harbours, approaching channels, beaches, creeks and canals along the entire coast of Pakistan. The bill also seeks to resolute dredging and land reclamation along the Pakistani coast including offshore islands and navigable rivers.
The cabinet directed that the technical committee formed to evaluate or scrutinise the applications for dredging or reclamation should also include representatives from Sindh and Balochistan.