The Provincial Health Services Academy (PHSA) has authorized a one-year paid internship program for 650 BS Nursing graduates in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the cabinet.

Along with receiving a monthly stipend of Rs31,000, the interns will train in teaching hospitals located around the province.

Ehtesham Ali, the advisor to the chief minister on health, stated in a formal statement that this is the first time a paid internship opportunity for BS Nursing graduates has been offered. The introduction of BS Nursing programs in PHSA-affiliated universities created a demand for such a program, he explained, and the health department will take efforts to obtain cabinet approval.

Only a month ago, I promised the students who were protesting that a paid internship would be set up in no time. Ehtesham Ali stated, "We have fulfilled that commitment today."

The PEPOS board's reconstruction and the nomination of a new chairman were also approved by the cabinet.

New Pension Policy for Punjab Government Employees

On the other hand, a new pension policy has been introduced by the Punjab government, which mandates that government employees and the government itself make contributions to a pension fund.

The Punjab Finance Department issued a notification to implement the Contribution Pension Scheme throughout the province, following a change to the Pension Rules. The plan is instantly operative.

Employees hired after 2024 will be required to make monthly contributions to the pension fund in accordance with the Punjab Civil Servants Amendment Ordinance 2023. To ensure shared responsibility, the government will equal this contribution.

A certified fund manager will oversee the pension funds, implementing investment strategies focused on long-term sustainability in order to preserve the fund's financial stability. Workers will be able to choose between a Sharia-compliant pension plan and a traditional one.

Employees can choose to take their accumulated savings or receive a monthly pension upon retirement, depending on the terms of the plan.

The Punjab Accountant General and the Punjab Pension Fund will supervise the scheme's operations, guaranteeing effective contribution management and transparency.