CM approves eco-friendly bus, e-bike projects

Seeks transport plan for schoolgirls in every tehsil

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved in principle the implementation of two major transport projects of the provision of 20,000 electric motorbikes and 657 eco-friendly urban buses for the province.

Chairing a meeting, she called for the formulation of a school bus project for girl students in every tehsil, with a directive to reduce the advance amount for students seeking transport facilities.

It was revealed during a briefing that the first phase of the project envisaged the introduction of diesel hybrid regenerated buses in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur.

The e-bike project is set to be launched on May 9, with deliveries beginning the same month.

CM Maryam Nawaz approved a plan to provide 657 buses for improved transportation facilities in major cities and directed the transport minister to oversee the project’s execution.

The meeting was attended by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Adviser Pervaiz Rasheed, Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, MPA Sania Ashiq, the chief secretary and other officers concerned.

Chairing another meeting to review progress on the 100,000 houses project, the chief minister issued instructions to reduce housing installments for low-income individuals and set a deadline for marking land for the construction in districts.

She has also ordered measures to lower the overall cost of housing.

Ties with Canada

Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Leslie Scanlon met Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and congratulated her on becoming the first woman CM of Punjab. Also present in the meeting were Executive Director Pakistan Region Neil Steward, First Secretary Alicia Sosa and Trade Commissioner Ali Khan. The meeting focused on exploring avenues to enhance economic relations between Canada and Punjab.

Discussions were also held on increasing scholarships for students from Punjab in Canadian higher education institutions.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2024.