LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has called for collective efforts to uphold the Constitution, strengthen the rule of law and promote public welfare, marking the World Day of Parliamentarism.
In her message on the occasion, the chief minister extended greetings to all democratic forces and said the day aimed to reaffirm commitment to protecting people’s rights and preserving parliamentary traditions. She said the parliamentary system was the guarantor of a stable, prosperous and progressive Pakistan, adding that the supremacy of parliament, adherence to the Constitution and the promotion of democratic values were indispensable for the country’s development. She said the parliamentary system remained the most effective mechanism for addressing public issues and ensuring that people’s voices were reflected in the decision-making process. She observed that safeguarding human rights and ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights through legislation constituted the fundamental objective of democracy.
The chief minister said parliament was not merely a legislative institution but a credible forum that shaped the nation’s collective vision, wisdom and future direction. She maintained that representation of all segments of society, particularly women and youths, further strengthened the democratic system. The Pakistan Muslim League-N believed in constitutional supremacy, strengthening democracy and ensuring transparent governance. Under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, efforts for good governance, effective legislation and public welfare in Punjab would continue.
Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz launched what she described as the province’s biggest environment-friendly transport revolution by unveiling an ambitious plan to expand electric public transport, e-bikes, e-taxis and electric three-wheelers across Punjab. Chairing a meeting of the Transport Department and the Punjab Masstransit Authority, the chief minister was briefed on progress regarding electric buses, Gujranwala and Faisalabad mass transit projects, e-taxis, Lahore Super Autonomous Rapid Transit (SRT) project, e-bikes, the command and control centre, and the Murree Glass Train initiative. The meeting decided to introduce additional electric buses, e-taxis, e-bikes and electric three-wheelers simultaneously to promote green transport across the province.
Officials informed the meeting that Punjab had also achieved another milestone by establishing an electric bus manufacturing industry under the government’s business-friendly policies. An assembly plant has already commenced assembling electric buses in the province.
The chief minister said Punjab would deploy 5,000 electric buses over the next five years, adding that the province was not only operating buses but also started manufacturing them. The meeting also approved the re-launch of an interest-free e-bike scheme for students under easier instalment plans. Under the programme, 100,000 electric bikes will be provided to students within one year. The Punjab government will provide a subsidy of Rs70,000 per e-bike. Male students will pay a down payment of Rs14,000 and an interest-free monthly instalment of Rs2,100.
The CM announced that the government would bear the entire down payment and registration fee for female students who will only have to pay an interest-free monthly instalment of Rs2,100. Government employees will also be eligible to obtain e-bikes on easy instalments. The meeting was informed that 1,500 electric buses would be operated in 91 tehsils across the divisions of Gujranwala, Gujrat, Rawalpindi, Multan, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad and Sargodha in the first phase. The meeting approved the PC-I for procurement of the buses. Officials said work on the Gujranwala and Faisalabad mass transit systems was progressing rapidly. Around 400 electric buses are already operational in various districts, while another 400 buses will soon be converted to electric operation.
The chief minister directed the immediate launch of 61 electric buses in 28 districts ahead of their scheduled inauguration on July 10. She ordered the immediate operationalisation of buses in Jhang, Kabirwala, Bhakkar, Attock, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Chiniot, Layyah, Okara and Sialkot. She indicated that another 189 newly-acquired electric buses, prepared for soft launching in different districts, would be inaugurated online.
The meeting was informed that 112 additional electric buses had reached Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Multan, Murree, Vehari, Kasur, Lodhran, Nankana Sahib and Narowal and would begin operations from July 25. Officials informed the meeting that 488 more electric buses would depart from a Chinese port for Punjab on July 20. The CM directed authorities to immediately introduce electric bus services in Kot Addu, Talagang and Taunsa Sharif, besides extending services to Vehari and Lodhran. She ordered an increase in the number of electric buses in Vehari, Lodhran and Nankana Sahib. She directed that every district should have at least 15 electric buses, ordering that additional buses be dispatched wherever the existing fleet falls below that number. She remarked that Punjab had not only introduced electric buses but also established a new manufacturing industry.
The meeting reviewed pictorial evidence and video footage of construction work on Gujranwala and Faisalabad mass transit projects. Officials informed the meeting that the 19.5-kilometre Gujranwala Mass Transit route had been expanded to 25 stations, with construction, barricading, diversions and piling work progressing at a fast pace. Work on Gakhar Mandi and Aimanabad underpasses and stations is underway in multiple shifts, while tree transplantation is being carried out alongside construction.
The chief minister directed authorities to ensure strict implementation of safety measures throughout the construction phase and noted that the project would significantly upgrade the surrounding urban infrastructure. The meeting was informed that work on the 20.3-kilometre Faisalabad Mass Transit System, comprising 21 stations, was progressing swiftly. Bus depots will be established at Faisal Town and Airport Chowk, while work on both at-grade and elevated sections has commenced. The meeting was informed that 582 applicants had deposited payments under the e-taxi scheme, while 206 electric taxis had already been delivered.
Officials also briefed the chief minister on the Super Autonomous Rapid Transit (SRT) project. The Lahore SRT route will be 18 kilometres long, and its depot is expected to be completed by July 2026.
