The Punjab government has decided to launch 27 solar-powered electric buses in Lahore by the end of this month, marking a significant step towards cleaner and more sustainable public transport.
These buses are part of the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to reducing air pollution and promoting green energy solutions.
The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting of the Punjab government’s development projects, chaired by Provincial Chief Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, in the presence of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The chief minister had earlier ordered that 620 eco-friendly buses be deployed in major cities of Punjab in the near future.
In addition to the transportation initiative, the meeting also took several key decisions, including the distribution of Ramazan Nigahban Package cards to eligible individuals, aimed at providing financial assistance during the holy month.
The meeting, which reviewed the performance of 27 ministries and departments, also assessed the progress of ongoing development programs and new projects.
These included assessments from the Ministries of Transport, Mines, Fisheries, Environment, Forestry, Wildlife, Labour, Livestock, Auqaf and Commodity Management , among others.
Key updates from the meeting included progress on 15 smart police stations, expected to be completed by February 19, and approval of Rs 42 million additional funds for Kala Shah Kaku Judicial Academy .
Besides, Rs 500 million has been proposed for the exploitation of 261 tonnes of iron ore reserves.
The meeting also reviewed the establishment of shelters in Rawalpindi and Sargodha as directed by the Chief Minister, as well as the accelerated construction of a model children’s home in Attock.
In line with the Chief Minister’s directives, the Minority Fund has been doubled to support the development of non-Muslim communities, and efforts to restore historic churches are progressing rapidly.
In her speech, Minister Maryam Aurangzeb demanded that the mapping of a 1,000-acre shrimp farming project be completed and efforts to protect Chhanga Manga forests and expedite tree plantation projects be intensified.
She also called for the feasibility study of a model fish market in Lahore to be completed quickly.
Aurangzeb also highlighted the establishment of a state-of-the-art climate observatory in Thokar Niaz Baig area of Lahore, which is expected to significantly reduce air pollution in the city.
Furthermore, she stressed the need to expedite the provision of health and safety facilities for workers in Faisalabad, as well as the construction of hostels and 165 day care centers across Punjab for female workers.
The meeting was briefed about the rapid modernization of Jhang Veterinary College and Cholistan Veterinary University.
The focus was on providing mobile veterinary services in South Punjab, with the aim of bringing the services directly to the doorsteps of farmers.
Minister Maryam Aurangzeb stressed that the performance of officers would be closely monitored and there would be no compromise on the speed, quality and governance of ongoing projects.
The meeting, which included presentations by Chairman Planning and Development Nabeel Ahmed Awan, Secretary Asif Tufail and various departmental secretaries, highlighted the government’s commitment to sustainable development and social welfare initiatives for the population of Punjab.
