LAHORE: On Wednesday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif officially inaugurated the Electric Bus Project in Wazirabad, unveiling a series of key initiatives aimed at enhancing public transportation, aiding flood-affected communities, and promoting development throughout the province.
During the ceremony, she announced the establishment of a cardiac treatment facility in Gujranwala and declared that women, students, senior citizens, and differently-abled individuals would enjoy free travel on electric buses. Additionally, she revealed plans to soon introduce the Metro Bus Service in Gujranwala to provide affordable, modern transit options for residents.
In response to recent devastating floods, Maryam Nawaz announced a comprehensive relief package for affected farmers, including Rs. 20,000 per acre in compensation, Rs. 1 million for completely destroyed homes, Rs. 500,000 for partially damaged properties, Rs. 500,000 for the loss of cattle, and Rs. 50,000 for goats and sheep. She assured that the government’s efforts would continue until every flood-affected family was fully supported and rehabilitated.
She also highlighted progress on housing projects under the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” scheme, with 80,000 houses currently under construction and a target to complete 100,000 by December.The CM further announced that Punjab would receive 1,100 electric buses by December, with an additional 1,500 buses scheduled for next year. These buses will feature amenities such as free Wi-Fi, mobile charging stations, and secure transport options for women and girls. In a move to make public transport more affordable, fares on the Wazirabad-Gakhar Mandi route will be reduced from Rs. 200 to just Rs. 20.
Expressing pride in the resilience of Punjab’s people, Maryam Nawaz referred to flood-affected individuals as “guests of the Punjab government” rather than “victims,” noting that the province faced its worst floods in history, with 2.5 million people evacuated and supported. She credited timely interventions and the efforts of the Pakistan Army, Navy, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, police, and local authorities for preventing widespread destruction as water levels in three rivers reached critical points.
She praised her cabinet colleagues, including Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Khawaja Salman Rafiq, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Kazim Pirzada, and Rana Sikandar Hayat, for their leadership in rescue and relief operations.The CM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to serving the people around the clock by providing essentials like food, medicines, fodder, and tents in flood-affected areas. She emphasized that modern transportation projects would extend beyond big cities, with electric bus initiatives already underway in Mianwali and now Wazirabad.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception in Wazirabad, Maryam Nawaz conveyed greetings from former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and reflected on her recent visit during the floods. She stated, “A few days ago, I visited Wazirabad during the floods; today, I am back to bring the gift of electric buses to the people of Wazirabad.”
