CM orders enforcement of transport fares
Punjab Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to ensure that the fares set by the government are charged from the passengers returning after spending the Eid holidays in their hometowns.
According to an official statement, the chief minister directed the authorities to take strict action against those charging high fares from the passengers in Lahore and other cities.
She stated, "In case of overcharging, fares collected from the passengers should be refunded, and a fine should be imposed on the bus staff."
She added, "Fitness of vehicles should be checked, and no unfit vehicle should be allowed to ply on the roads, which puts passengers' lives at risk."
The CM said, "No vehicle on any route should be overloaded and complete adherence to traffic laws should be enforced."
Earlier, Pakistan Muslim League-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif offered the Eid prayers at Jati Umra along with other family members. Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited the graves of their elders.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also extended Eid greetings to children suffering from autism on the eve of World Autism Awareness Day. She reaffirmed her commitment to the education, training and rehabilitation of children suffering from autism.
She stated, "For the first time in Punjab, special education and special children have also been included among the list of priorities. Work is under way to introduce employment programmes along with the Rising Star Card for the special children."
The CM said, "The first government autism school of Pakistan is rapidly nearing its final phase of completion in Lahore, and the facility will also provide early autism diagnosis in the first phase. Early diagnosis of autism in children during their tender age of three years makes treatment more effective and curable."
She added that 12 autism units had been established at special education centres. Autism centres have also been set up in 27 divisional public schools across the province.
She said a packed meal programme for the differently-abled children had been launched and digital touchscreens were being installed at the district special education centres of excellence. A Special Education Information System and a dedicated helpline (1162) have been established, while a mobile app has also been functionalised.