Electric buses launched in six districts

CM vows to extend service to all Punjab tehsils

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the electric bus service in six districts, reaffirming her commitment to expand the fleet to 5,000 vehicles across all tehsils of the province.

Addressing the launch ceremony, she said the electric bus network had expanded from the northern hill area of Murree to South Punjab and would be extended to the tehsil level in phases. She announced that around 1,500 buses would be added during the current year, increasing the total fleet to nearly 3,000.

She said Punjab had become the only province in the country providing affordable, high-quality and environmentally friendly public transport to its citizens. "Wherever additional buses are required, they will be provided without delay," she added.

She said the government was determined to extend the service to all 147 tehsils of Punjab, assuring the public that the expansion plan would continue at a rapid pace. She said providing the best possible travel facilities at the lowest possible fare remained one of her government's top priorities.

The chief minister said the state-of-the-art green buses were offering citizens a modern, comfortable and dignified transport for the first time. She noted that commuters could travel anywhere on a route for a fare of Rs20.

She expressed satisfaction that a large number of women were benefiting from the electric bus service.

In another development, a delegation from Uzbekistan's Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan called on the chief minister to discuss cooperation in trade, agriculture, investment, tourism and industry.

The delegation invited Punjab to participate in the establishment of a special economic zone in Karakalpakstan on the lines of the province's model.

Both sides agreed to promote tourism and cultural exchanges. The delegation extended an invitation to the chief minister to visit Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan, which she accepted.

A proposal by Karakalpakstan to allocate 100 to 200 hectares of land to Pakistani farmers for potato cultivation also came 7nder discussion. The two sides reviewed a proposal to declare Lahore and Nukus as sister cities and agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, agriculture, livestock and industry.

The CM said the government would examine the possibility of meeting Karakalpakstan and Uzbekistan's annual demand for 30,000 head of livestock from Punjab.

She welcomed Uzbekistan's interest in investing in Lahore's textile industry, saying the Punjab government was providing excellent opportunities for foreign investors.